Make Memories at the FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, and even if you're not a soccer (or football) fan, the event presents a fun, invigorating, and patriotic way to celebrate with family and friends.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup, a major men's soccer tournament held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, marking the first time it will be hosted by three nations simultaneously. It will also be the largest World Cup yet, with a record 48 teams competing in 104 matches, an expansion from previous tournaments. The tournament kicks off in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca and concludes with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.  

What makes the World Cup a good opportunity to re•kindle?

The FIFA World Cup represents one of those rare moments when the entire planet unites around a shared passion, making it the perfect catalyst for bringing your favorite people together for an unforgettable adventure. There's something deeply bonding about experiencing the world's most-watched sporting event alongside those who matter most - whether it's three generations of your family cheering together, your college friends reuniting for the trip you've always talked about, or extended relatives from different continents meeting up in a host city.

The tournament's month-long celebration creates natural opportunities for meaningful connections: sharing meals while discussing the day's matches, exploring new cities with fresh eyes, and creating inside jokes that will last for years. Unlike typical vacations where you might struggle to find activities that appeal to different ages or interests, the World Cup provides a unifying thread that makes grandparents, parents, teenagers, and young adults equally excited to wake up each morning and see what magic the day will bring.

Where to go

You might be lucky enough to live in 1 of the 11 host cities in the United States – in which case, what better way to convince long distance loved ones to finally cash in that overdue visit?

However, if you’re itching to cheer on the USA, from outside the USA, check out our recommendations for where to stay, what to do and where to eat across select international host cities.

Domestic Destinations

Kansas City

The heartland of American sports culture, where barbecue smoke mingles with the roar of passionate fans who've made this city legendary for its sporting atmosphere. The city's genuine Midwestern hospitality, world-famous BBQ scene, and compact downtown make it incredibly welcoming for international visitors, while the relatively affordable costs and central location offer an authentic slice of American culture without the overwhelming scale of mega-cities.

Arrowhead Stadium's unrivaled acoustics amplify the roars of passionate fans and will be the venue for group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and a Quarter Final. Don't miss the FIFA Fan Festival™, which will take place at National WWI Museum and Memorial, featuring a stunning view of the downtown skyline to the north. Over 200 buses will be made available to transport an estimated 650,000 visitors to matches, FIFA Fan Festival™, Kansas City International Airport, hotel centers and more.

• Where to stay

  • The Raphael

  • Hotel Kansas City

  • Crossroads Hotel

  • Vacation rental home

• Where to drink

  • Percheron Rooftop Bar

  • No Other Pub by Sporting KC

  • Green Lady Lounge 

• Where to eat

  • High End: The Town Company, Farina, The Antler Room, Novel

  • Best Barbecue: Joe's KC, Q39, LC's Bar-B-Q, Slap's BBQ, Gates Bar-B-Q

  • Coffee: Messenger Coffee + Ibis Bakery, Oddly Correct Coffee Bar, Thou Mayest

New York City

The ultimate global stage for World Cup football, where the world's most diverse city meets the planet's biggest sporting event in an unmatched spectacle of energy and ambition. From Broadway shows and world-class museums to iconic landmarks, no other metropolitan area provides such an incredible array of experiences before and after matches.

Eight matches will be played in the New York / New Jersey area, including the Final on July 19, 2026, scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. After hosting the 1994 FIFA World Cup, largely considered the most successful in history, come see the greatest city in the world do it all again.

• Where to stay

  • The Carlyle

  • Four Seasons, Downtown

  • The Plaza

  • Vacation rental loft/apartment

• Museums & Culture

  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

  • Museum of Natural History

  • Statue of Liberty

  • Broadway

  • Central Park

• Where to eat

  • Best of 2025, New York Times: Borgo, Ha's Snack Bar, Kabawa, Smithereens, Atomix

  • What's on trend: Savory handheld pastries, global fusion, Tiktok-driven viral dishes (like "girl dinner" spreads & Dubai chocolate), reimagined comfort food, and plant-based innovation

International Destinations

Mexico City

Mexico City stands as one of the world's most vibrant megacities, where ancient Aztec heritage meets modern Mexican culture at an electrifying altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level. The thin air and passionate fans create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in football, while the city's incredible food scene, historic sites like the Zócalo, and world-class museums offer unforgettable experiences beyond the stadium.

The iconic Estadio Azteca will host the tournament's opening match and several other games. From Mexico City, take light rail from Tasqueña station to Estadio Azteca. It’s about 15 mins and free. Very efficient on match days (and safe!)

• Where to stay

  • La Valise 

  • Mondrian

  • Casa Polanco 

  • The Alexander 

  • St. Regis

• Where to shop

  • Onora (artisanal)

  • Nin studio (clothes)

  • Originario (furniture)

  • Perla Valtierra (ceramics)

• Where to eat

  • Michelin: Quintonil (alternative to Pujol), Em, Martinez

  • High End: Botanico, Ultramarinos (same chef as Em), Maximo Bistrot, Contramar (or Entremar which is the easier reservation)

  • Street Food: Los Alexi, Orinoco, Carinitos Taco

  • Coffee: Panadería Rosetta, Hule, Café Nin

Monterrey

Mexico's industrial powerhouse, nestled dramatically against the Sierra Madre mountains, is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and some of the country's most devoted football supporters. The city's modern skyline, excellent cuisine featuring cabrito and craft beer culture, plus its proximity to stunning natural landscapes like the García Caves, make it a perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.

Estadio BBVA has a capacity of about 53,500 and will host group-stage matches and at least one Round of 32 match. From downtown, either take a 7 minutes taxi or take Metro L1 to Estación Lerdo de Tejada and walk ~9 min from there. Bus lines 214, 223, TME, 093 take you to Pablo Livas which is a ~4 min walk.

• Where to stay

  • Live Aqua 

  • JW Marriott 

  • Intercontinental Presidente

• Where to drink

  • Maverick

  • Vini the bar

  • Bar nouvelle

• Where to eat

  • High End: La nacional, Cuerno Calzada, Señora Tanaka, Ryoshi, Lo Spuntino (if you’re craving Italian), Campomar, Bardot, El Gaucho, Cometa

  • Casual: Tacos Villa de Santiago, Tacos Atarantados, Tacos Orinoco, Fidencio Botanero, Bodegón de Rosas, Yamato 

  • Coffee: Kali Coffee Roasters, MAUT Coffee, Comando Café (don’t miss the donuts!), Café Unamuno, Madcoffee, Madriguera Pan & Café, ADNI Coffee & Candles, Café Limón

Guadalajara

Serving as the cultural heart of Mexico, Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila, and charrería, where traditional Mexican identity runs deepest. Watching a World Cup match here means experiencing football in its most authentically Mexican setting, surrounded by colonial architecture, vibrant arts scenes, and the warmest hospitality you'll find anywhere in the country.

Estadio Akron, home of Chivas, will be known as Estadio Guadalajara during the tournament. It will host four group-stage matches, including one featuring Mexico. From downtown Guadalajara, taxi/uber about 12 minutes.

• Where to stay

  • Hyatt Regency Andares

  • Casa Habita

• Museums & Culture

  • Cetedral de Guadalajara

  • Hospicio Cabanas (Cabañas Museum)

  • Plataforma de Arte Contemporaneo

  • MUSA (Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara)

  • Teatro Degollado

  • Ceramica Suro

• Where to eat

  • Breakfast: Pal Real 

  • Lunch or Dinner: Almaena, Alcalde, La Docen, Xocol , La I Latina, Cena en Honne, El Abajeño, Il Duomo

  • Coffee: Cafe Correcto, Roto Cafe & bar 

  • Wine: Turbio, Mantequeria

Toronto

Canada's cosmopolitan crown jewel, where over 140 languages are spoken and diverse neighborhoods offer everything from Chinatown dim sum to Little Italy espresso culture. A World Cup game here would showcase Canada's multicultural spirit against the backdrop of the iconic CN Tower, with easy access to Niagara Falls and some of North America's best restaurants and cultural attractions.

BMO Field, referred to as Toronto Stadium during the tournament, is Canada's first soccer-specific stadium. BMO Field has a GO station (Exhibition) located just outside the grounds and one stop west of Union Station on the Lakeshore East-West lines. You can also take the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

• Where to stay

  • Four Seasons Toronto 

  • Park Hyatt Toronto

  • Fairmont Royal York

  •  Ace Hotel Toronto 

  • 1 Hotel Toronto 

  • Nobu Hotel Toronto

• What to do

  • Royal Ontario Museum, Bata Shoe Museum 

  • Art Gallery of Ontario

  • St. Lawrence Market (Montreal bagels at St. Viateur)

  • Distillery District 

  • Graffiti Alley

  • Live music at Grossman’s Tavern 

  • Picnic at Trinity Bellwoods Park and shop Queen Street 

  • Ferry to Toronto Island and rent bicycles 

• Where to eat

  • Upscale: Edulis, Alo, Scaramouche Restaurant (this is a classic but not the most trendy) Lucie, Quetzal, Bar Prima, Bernhardt’s, Giulietta, Bar Isabel, Grey Gardens, Daphne

  • Casual: Wynona, Enoteca Sociale, PAI, Alma, Seoul Shakers, Puerto Bravo, Sunnys, Imanishi Japanese Kitchen, Trattoria Nervosa

  • Coffee & Quick Bites: Milky’s, Schmaltz Appetizing, Woolshed Coffee, Wildhearts Cafe, Tsuchi Cafe, Found Coffee

  • Drink: Bar Raval, Grape Witches, Bellwoods Brewery, Get Well, BarChef (cocktail bar)

Vancouver

Combining stunning natural beauty with laid-back West Coast charm, where snow-capped mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the world's most scenic urban settings. The city's outdoor adventure culture, from Stanley Park to nearby ski slopes, plus its thriving food scene and relaxed atmosphere, would provide the perfect backdrop for experiencing football in one of the planet's most livable cities.

BC Place Vancouver will host seven matches including five group stage games, a Round of 32 match, and a Round of 16 match. The stadium will also feature two matches involving the Canadian national team. It's situated in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment district and walking distance from many transit stations.

• Where to stay

  • Fairmont Pacific Rim

  • Rosewood Hotel Georgia

  • AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel

  • Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

• What to do

  • Museum of Anthropology

  • Bill Reid Gallery

  • Cycle Stanley Park seawall

  • Granville Island

  • The Grouse Grind hike (difficult) or gondola 

  • Sea-taxi to Lonsdale Quay Market

  • Steam Clock in Yaletown (touristy but must!)

  • Kitsilano Beach for sunset

• Where to eat

  • Upscale: Nightingale, Giardino Restaurant, Savio Volpe, Miku, AnnaLena, Kissa Tanto 

  • Casual: Jam Cafe, Pizza Coming Soon, Autostrada Osteria Vancouver House, Lunch Lady, Magari by Oca, The Greek Yaletown, Minami

  • Coffee & Quick Bites: Revolver, Bahar Bakery & Cafe, Nemesis Coffee, Rain or Shine Ice Cream, Cowdog

Let’s plan an unforgettable experience

No one living in North America has to fly more than two hours to reach a match, so if the World Cup has been on your bucket list, let’s make it happen.

If you have not yet reserved tickets, send us an email, and we’ll work with you on ticketing with our preferred sports travel partners. Keep in mind, some ticket packages are already available. Individual tickets go live in October, but FIFA will not announce which teams will play in which cities until December.