The World Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a passport stamp in motion. And for soccer-obsessed globe-trotters (or football-obsessed, depending where you hail from), it can be a 90-minute crescendo in the middle of a week spent wandering through new cities, flavors, and cultures.
In 2026, the FIFA World Cup will unfold across three countries for the first time—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—turning North America into one sprawling, exhilarating stage for the world’s most beloved sport. It’s the ultimate ticket to adventure for travelers who crave the pulse of a crowd as much as they do a skyline at sunset or a post-match mezcal in a hidden rooftop bar. But how do you get in? When do the tickets drop? And once you have them, how do you turn a soccer match into the trip of a lifetime? Let’s break it all down, one question at a time.
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When is the FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the opening match taking place at Mexico City’s legendary Estadio Azteca. It’s a fitting place to start—a cathedral of football history, nestled in a city brimming with art, energy, and a culinary scene that could rival the tournament’s grandeur. Over the following month, 48 teams will compete across North America in the biggest World Cup to date. After 104 matches, the tournament will conclude on Sunday, July 19, 2026; the final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just a short train ride from Manhattan.
When do tickets go on sale, and how can I get them?
Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially begin on September 10, 2025. The first phase is a Visa cardholder exclusive, meaning only fans who register for a FIFA Ticketing Account and use a Visa card can apply through a random draw. The Visa exclusive application period runs for several days in early September, and tickets will be distributed using a randomized lottery system, so it’s not first-come, first-served. If you’re selected, you’ll receive a designated time slot in October to purchase tickets.
Subsequent waves of general public sales will roll out over the next several months. Initially, FIFA will continue the lottery-style draw method through October 31, but will eventually shift to a first-come, first-served approach by spring 2026. For those who prefer flexibility, FIFA will also introduce a resale platform closer to the tournament start (though the official date is still unclear), where verified fans can sell and exchange tickets at face value.
Hospitality packages are already available for travelers who want more than just entry through FIFA’s official hospitality provider, On Location. These range from single-match luxury experiences to comprehensive “Follow My Team” and “Venue Series” packages that include access to multiple games, often paired with premium seating, dining, and lounge access. Prices start in the low four-figures and climb up depending on the scale of your experience. Think of them as all-access passes to the best games, with a velvet-rope travel twist.
Where are the matches taking place, and where should I stay?
Matches will take place in sixteen cities across three countries: eleven in the United States, two in Canada, and three in Mexico. Each host city offers a distinct flavor of football and travel, whether it’s beachside glitz, mountain views, desert vibrance, or urban grit.
Full list of FIFA host cities:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York/New Jersey
- Philadelphia
- The San Francisco Bay Area
- Seattle
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Guadalajara
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
Mexico
In Mexico City, where the tournament kicks off, fans can stay in the chic neighborhoods of Condesa or Roma, where colonial architecture meets contemporary design. Estadio Azteca, the opening venue, sits in the southern part of the city, easily accessible by car or ride-share. The hotel options here are diverse, but consider boutique accommodations like the Nima Local House Hotel or the more luxurious Four Seasons Mexico City for proximity and comfort.
US
In New York and New Jersey, MetLife Stadium is technically in East Rutherford, but most visitors will likely stay in Manhattan for a mix of sightseeing and convenience. Hotels in Midtown or near Penn Station offer direct train access to the stadium. Try the Moxy Times Square or the Ace Hotel for stylish, centrally located picks that balance access with aesthetics.
Los Angeles’s SoFi Stadium will also host several matches. If you’re heading to LA, Santa Monica offers beachy, walkable vibes, while Downtown LA is better for nightlife and easier transit to the stadium via car.
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