World Cup 2026 USA Travel Guide
The biggest FIFA World Cup in history is coming to America. Eleven host cities, 78 matches, and a nation ready to welcome the world. Find the best hotels near stadiums, book transfers, and plan your ultimate football trip.
🏟️ 11 USA Host Cities & Stadiums
New York / New Jersey
MetLife Stadium · 82,500 seats
The grand final venue. Manhattan's energy, world-class dining, and unmatched transport links via JFK, Newark & LaGuardia.
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium · 70,240 seats
Hollywood glamour meets cutting-edge SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Beach culture, year-round sunshine, and iconic landmarks.
Dallas
AT&T Stadium · 80,000 seats
Everything is bigger in Texas. AT&T Stadium in Arlington boasts the iconic retractable roof and colossal video screen.
Miami
Hard Rock Stadium · 65,326 seats
South Beach vibes, Art Deco architecture, and Latin-infused nightlife. Expect hot, humid conditions — pack accordingly.
Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium · 71,000 seats
The retractable-roof marvel in downtown Atlanta. Southern hospitality, incredible food scene, and Hartsfield-Jackson — the world's busiest airport.
Houston
NRG Stadium · 72,220 seats
Space City with a Tex-Mex food scene, the NASA Space Center, and a dome that keeps the Texas heat out.
Philadelphia
Lincoln Financial Field · 69,176 seats
The birthplace of American independence. Rich history, passionate sports fans, and legendary cheesesteaks.
Seattle
Lumen Field · 68,740 seats
Coffee culture capital surrounded by mountains and water. Lumen Field's famous atmosphere plus Pike Place Market.
San Francisco Bay Area
Levi's Stadium · 68,500 seats
Golden Gate views, Silicon Valley innovation, and Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara — 45 minutes south of the city.
Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium · 76,416 seats
The BBQ capital of America. Arrowhead Stadium is legendary for its deafening crowd noise and tailgating culture.
Boston
Gillette Stadium · 65,878 seats
Historic Fenway neighbourhood, Harvard & MIT nearby, and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough — 30 miles south of downtown.
🏨 Hotels Near World Cup Stadiums
Accommodation close to stadiums is the single most important booking for World Cup fans. With 11 host cities spread across the continental United States, you'll want a hotel that minimises travel on match days. Many stadiums are located in suburban areas — MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey (not Manhattan), Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough (not downtown Boston), and Levi's Stadium sits in Santa Clara (not San Francisco proper).
We recommend searching for hotels with free cancellation so you can lock in rates early and adjust as the match schedule is confirmed. Look for properties offering shuttle services to stadiums — many host-city hotels will add World Cup shuttle routes. For budget-conscious fans, consider staying one transit stop away from the stadium zone where rates can be 30–50% lower.
🚐 Transfers & Getting to Stadiums
Getting to and from stadiums on match day will be one of the biggest logistical challenges of the 2026 World Cup. American cities are largely car-dependent, and public transport varies wildly — New York and Boston have robust metro systems, while Dallas and Houston are far more car-centric. Pre-booking airport and stadium transfers is essential, especially for international fans unfamiliar with local roads and rideshare surge pricing.
Expect FIFA and local authorities to set up dedicated fan transport corridors with buses from city centres to stadiums. Rideshares (Uber, Lyft) will operate but prepare for significant surge pricing before and after matches. Book private transfers in advance for guaranteed pricing and reliable pick-up times. For multi-city itineraries, budget for domestic flights between host cities — distances are vast (New York to Los Angeles is 2,800 miles).
🗺️ Tours & Experiences in Host Cities
A World Cup trip is about more than just football. Each of the 11 host cities offers world-class attractions worth exploring on non-match days. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and catch a Broadway show in New York, hit Venice Beach and hike Griffith Park in Los Angeles, explore the Alamo and the River Walk in nearby San Antonio from Dallas, or dive into Miami's Art Deco district and Everglades tours.
For fans looking at Florida as a base, Miami's proximity to the Keys and Orlando's theme parks makes it an ideal city for combining football with a family holiday. Seattle fans can add a day trip to Mount Rainier, while San Francisco visitors shouldn't miss Alcatraz or a drive along Highway 1.
New York
Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square
Los Angeles
Hollywood, Getty Center, Santa Monica Pier
Miami
South Beach, Little Havana, Everglades
Atlanta
Civil Rights Museum, Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market
Dallas / Houston
Stockyards, NASA Space Center, Tex-Mex food tours
Boston
Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Harvard Yard
🇬🇧 Essential Travel Tips for UK Fans
🛂 ESTA & Entry Requirements
Apply for your ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is $21 and it's valid for 2 years. You'll also need a machine-readable passport valid for the duration of your stay. Always carry a printed copy of your ESTA approval and return flight details.
⏰ Time Zones
The USA spans three time zones relevant to the World Cup: Eastern (GMT-5) for NYC, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia; Central (GMT-6) for Dallas, Houston, Kansas City; Pacific (GMT-8) for LA, Seattle, San Francisco. Plan match-day logistics around these shifts.
💵 Tipping Culture
Tipping is expected everywhere in the USA. Budget 18–20% at restaurants, $2–5 per drink at bars, $2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping, and 15–20% for taxi/rideshare drivers. Not tipping is considered a serious social faux pas. Factor this into your daily budget — it adds up quickly.
🚇 Getting Around
Only New York, Boston, and Philadelphia have truly walkable city centres with comprehensive metro systems. In Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Kansas City, you'll rely heavily on rideshares or rental cars. Consider a multi-city flight pass for travelling between host cities.
World Cup USA — Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup 2026 matches will be played in the USA?▼
The USA hosts the majority of the 2026 World Cup — 78 matches across 11 cities, including all knockout rounds from the quarter-finals onwards and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With 48 teams competing for the first time, the USA leg alone will be larger than any previous World Cup tournament.
What is the best way to travel between USA World Cup host cities?▼
Domestic flights are the most practical option given the vast distances — New York to Los Angeles is a 5-hour flight. Book internal flights early as demand will surge. Amtrak connects some East Coast cities (Boston, New York, Philadelphia). Renting a car works well for shorter hops like Dallas to Houston (4 hours) but is impractical coast-to-coast.
Do UK fans need an ESTA to attend the World Cup in the USA?▼
Yes. UK citizens must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online at least 72 hours before departure, though applying weeks ahead is strongly recommended. ESTAs cost $21, are valid for 2 years, and allow stays of up to 90 days. A valid ESTA does not guarantee entry — final admission is at the discretion of US Customs and Border Protection.
How far in advance should I book World Cup USA hotels?▼
As early as possible — ideally 6 to 12 months before the tournament. Hotels within walking distance of stadiums will sell out first, especially in compact cities like Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco. Book refundable rates where available so you can adjust if match schedules change. Prices near MetLife Stadium (final venue) are expected to be the highest.
What time zone differences should UK fans prepare for?▼
The USA spans multiple time zones relevant to the World Cup. Eastern Time (New York, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia) is 5 hours behind the UK. Central Time (Dallas, Houston, Kansas City) is 6 hours behind. Pacific Time (Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco) is 8 hours behind. Afternoon kick-offs in the USA mean late-evening or night-time viewing back home.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect against unexpected trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
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