2026 FIFA World Cup Guide: USA Edition

Get set, as this year's FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost upon us, and with a record number of teams competing in this year's tournament, we're in for five and a half weeks of non-stop soccer action. Featuring 48 teams playing 104 games across 16 different host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we can guarantee you there has never been a World Cup like it.

With 11 superb US venue cities to choose from - including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas - Bodog has the scoop on what you'll need to watch the World Cup in the United States, from how to secure your matchday tickets and FIFA Fan Festival zones access to planning your travel, visas, and accommodation while you're here.

The Inside Guide to All Eleven Host Cities

Ask an NFL fan, and they'll all tell you – every single one of the 11 NFL stadiums FIFA has selected to host the upcoming 2026 World Cup will deliver an unforgettable game day atmosphere for spectators. So, no matter where you’re heading to watch the beautiful game's biggest stars shine in some of the loudest stadiums on earth, here’s a quick glimpse at what awaits you.

East Coast & Northeast – A Region Forged by Its Own Sporting Legacy

Blessed with some of the most historic cities in the United States, the East Coast & Northeast region offers fans a bevy of matchday stadiums, curtailing the need for excessive long-haul travel between arenas. Expect big stadium energy on gameday and plenty of fun off the pitch between games too.

New York / New Jersey (East Rutherford), New York Metropolitan Area

Stadium: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium)

Capacity: 82,500

Undoubtedly, the heavyweight venue at this year's tournament, New York New Jersey Stadium, is located just outside of Manhattan in New Jersey and will be staging some of the competition's biggest games, including the World Cup Final on July 19. Here, NYC's superb public transport system will whisk fans effortlessly to and from the games and designated fan zones, allowing you more time to explore this world-famous city between matches.

Boston, Massachusetts

Stadium: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)

Capacity: 65,000

Boston offers fans the chance to immerse themselves in this historic city, whose Boston Stadium’s recent upgrades now include a 22,000 sq ft HD video board – the largest in the country – and a fully connected 360-degree concourse. Boston's very own MBTA will seamlessly transport fans in and out of the city, and outside of game days, you can enjoy the scenic Boston Harborwalk and the fascinating Freedom Trail in the heart of one of America's finest cities.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)

Capacity: 69,000

Philadelphia is a city that simply lives and breathes sport, and World Cup fans heading to The City of Brotherly Love are in for a treat as Philadelphia Stadium hosts five group round games and a Round of 16 match on American Independence Day, July 4. Fans wanting to travel to the game can simply hop on the SEPTA transit networks before heading back to the fan-friendly surrounds of downtown Philadelphia to enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere expected throughout the tournament.

South & Southeast – Sporting Venues with a Sunshine Infusion

While the warm summer weather may pose a few challenges for the players on the pitch, for fans, the endless sunshine will only add to the appeal and excitement of visiting the region during the World Cup. Boasting several venues, which combined have hosted an innumerable number of Super Bowls over the years, a Copa America Final, and an annual F1 Grand Prix - a trip to the US’s South & Southeast this summer will turn every matchday into a pulsating festival of energy and color.

Atlanta, Georgia

Stadium: Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Capacity: 75,000

As one of the most modern sporting arenas in the world, you can rest assured that Atlanta Stadium will provide a proper high-energy fan experience beneath its stunning first-of-its-kind 360-degree halo video display overhead. Hosting three group games and three knock-out round matches, including one of the Semi-Finals, you can head out to the stadium on game days using the MARTA rail access, before returning to the city to enjoy Atlanta's celebrated food, music, and nightlife afterward.

Miami, Florida

Stadium: Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium)

Capacity: 65,000

Home to the Miami Dolphins, tennis' Miami Open, and its very own F1 Grand Prix, Miami Stadium is one of the most prestigious multi-purpose stadiums on the planet. Situated in Miami Gardens, fans can opt to make the short drive from the city or jump on the Brightline train and use the free stadium shuttles to get to and from the venue, before heading back afterward to sample Miami's legendary Latin American-influenced nightlife, food, and of course, its world-famous beaches.

Houston, Texas

Stadium: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium)

Capacity: 72,000

Hosting seven games in total, including two knock-out round matches, fans heading to Houston Stadium’s iconic domed arena will get the chance to watch the high-octane action on the pitch in one of the most atmospheric gameday venues in the country. Featuring the hotly anticipated game between the Netherlands and Sweden, the stadium is easily accessible using the city’s METRORail system. Outside of match days, you can also explore Houston’s iconic Space Center Houston and Museum District, not to mention the city’s lively downtown food scene.

Midwest: Where Sports Fanaticism Flows Through Its Veins

The Midwest is a cultural hub for some of the US’s most successful sporting franchises, where its big stadiums are equally matched by the locals’ genuine enthusiasm and love of sports. Famed for having some of the noisiest stadiums around, when it comes to sporting venues in the heart of America, you can expect a truly electric gameday atmosphere at all of this year’s World Cup matches here.

Dallas / Arlington, Texas

Stadium: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)

Capacity: 94,000

Arguably the most striking stadium in the nation and certainly the biggest at this year’s World Cup, Dallas Stadium is set to host the largest number of games during the tournament (nine), including the highly anticipated 2018 Semi-Final replay between England and Croatia. Offering a number of transportation link options - including gameday shuttles - Dallas will be home to a lively World Cup festival atmosphere throughout the tournament, and a must-see sporting arena if you get the chance.

Kansas City, Missouri

Stadium: Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium)

Capacity: 73,000

Perhaps best known for being home to the most successful NFL franchise in recent times, the Chiefs, Kansas City Stadium is heralded as one of the loudest stadium environments in the USA. Aside from the intense matchday crowd-generated excitement, KCATA express bus services will ferry you back and forth to each game, so you can revel at one of Kansas City’s famous BBQ joints in town and enjoy an unforgettable post-game atmosphere.

West Coast – Where Sporting Passion Meets the Pacific

When it comes to our final assortment of FIFA 2026 World Cup venues, you can’t go far wrong with the chilled-out, laid-back vibes of America’s West Coast. Loaded with world-class sporting venues, these fantastic cities have a ridiculous number of travel bucket list landmarks to see, as well as a wealth of thrilling downtown attractions to keep you entertained while you’re here.

Los Angeles, California

Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)

Capacity: 70,000

Just a 30-minute drive from Pasadena's Rose Bowl Stadium, venue of the 1994 World Cup Final, Los Angeles Stadium is the newest of all the World Cup stadiums this time around. Home to both the LA Rams and LA Chargers, Los Angeles Stadium is brimming with all the latest state-of-the-art facilities, not to mention its ultra-efficient Metro rail and bus connections, which mean you can soak up the post-game World Cup atmosphere on LA’s sun-kissed beaches or head over to Hollywood for a night out to remember.

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Stadium: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi's Stadium)

Capacity: 71,000

For those of you who love open-air, energetic stadium energy, you're going to love watching the 2026 World Cup at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, home to the five-time NFL Super Bowl Champions, the San Francisco 49ers. With an assortment of fantastic transportation links, including the VTA light rail and bus lines, as well as the ACE/Capitol Corridor heavy rail, fans here can make their way back to celebrate their team's victory along San Francisco’s iconic waterfront and its superb selection of bars and restaurants.

Seattle, Washington

Stadium: Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field)

Capacity: 69,000

Best known for its loud and passionate crowds, Seattle Stadium is not only home to the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, but also one of the most successful MLS outfits, Seattle Sounders FC. The Sounders are two-time winners of the MLS Cup and also lifted the prestigious CONCACAF Champions League in 2022, and with Seattle Stadium’s superb rail and bus connections to downtown Seattle, there aren't many better places to spend the World Cup than doing so in The Emerald City.

A Travel Checklist Before Heading to America 

Let’s face it, planning a trip to the US for the FIFA World Cup is far more involved than just picking the matches you want to see. In fact, planning your trip ahead of time could end up dictating just how much fun you have, so here’s a quick rundown of the key criteria you need to consider well before you even think of packing your bags.

Sort Out Your FIFA Pass & Visa Requirements

Firstly, it’s important not to get too far ahead of yourself, as securing a ticket to a World Cup match may be the catalyst for you coming, but purchasing your tickets does not guarantee you entry into the country. Aside from ensuring your passport is valid for the timespan you plan to be in the States, you must also check if you are eligible for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to be allowed to visit. 

Failing that, if you don’t qualify, say if you’re traveling in from countries outside of the Visa Waiver Program, you’ll likely need a full B-2 US visa. While not as straightforward as obtaining an ESTA, the introduction of the FIFA PASS system can potentially help World Cup ticket holders speed up this otherwise lengthy process.

Book Early - Like, Very Early

Another time-sensitive contingency to watching the World Cup in America is the need to book everything as early as possible, as prices will only rise and availability will be restricted in the run-up to the tournament’s opening ceremony. 

For those flying into the US, you can attempt to avoid airline price spikes by picking less favorable flight times or traveling on dates a few days either side of a scheduled match day. Similarly, hotels and short-term rental property rates will also peak, on and around game days, particularly those with downtown locations or close to the stadium. Nevertheless, if you can’t find a place to stay downtown, don’t worry, simply start searching for hotels and properties located in the city’s well-connected suburbs as a more economical alternative place to stay.

If You’re Watching Multiple World Cup Games, Base Yourself In A “Hub City”

Given the geographical disparity of the World Cup venues across the US, if you’re planning to see several games during the tournament, we recommend you base yourself in a Hub City like New York/New Jersey, Dallas, Los Angeles, or Atlanta. By doing so, you can watch all the games locally, but then drive, bus, or train to other alternative venues, side-stepping the inflated cost of booking endless airline tickets.

This approach not only helps to limit the travel chaos flying in and out of countless airports, but you’ll also clock up fewer miles on your smartwatch while you’re here. In addition to this, it will also free you up to explore more of your host city, which means you can take in more of the sights and soak up the spirited atmosphere of the city’s FIFA Fan Festivals when you’re not attending a World Cup game.

Booking Your Tickets and Seeking Out the Pre and Post-Game Party Hotspots  

Whether this is your first ever World Cup or you’re a seasoned World Cup campaigner, the fact is that FIFA has tinkered with the process of how you can actually buy tickets this time around. Yet, despite the new convoluted ticketing process, the US has stepped up by introducing more venues, attractions, and events throughout the five-and-a-half-week tournament, so here’s a quick run-through of how to navigate your World Cup adventure visiting the United States.

Getting Your Hands On A Ticket - Your Passport to the Action

For newbies to the process, it will be less of a shock, but FIFA has abandoned the tried and tested format of how fans used to obtain tickets, so if you've yet to buy yours, let it be known it's not as simple as booking your seats and going. That's because, rather perplexingly, FIFA opted for a lottery system for fans to apply for game day tickets at this year's World Cup, meaning it was more luck than judgment as to whether you'd get to see your team play.  

However, for those who missed out and those yet to commandeer their tickets, there are still a few options available to you. The first of these is FIFA's official resale platform, which allows you to purchase tickets directly through the site, but you need to register quickly, as some games may have already sold out. 

The second option involves potentially remortgaging your home to pay for one of FIFA's pricey hospitality packages - sure, it may offer an enhanced gameday experience, but critics have accused soccer's governing body of simply profiteering from passionate fans' desire to watch the games. The third and final option is perhaps even less favorable as it relies on third-party resale platforms, which are fraught with price gouging and counterfeit tickets, so it's not necessarily a risk worth taking.

Attend Every FIFA Fan Festival: The Party Beyond the Stadium

Of course, reveling in the stadium atmosphere and watching the world-class talent in person is one thing, but this year, if you can’t make it to the stadium, there will be 104 World Cup parties across the US, Canada, and Mexico – you just need to know where to go. That’s because across all three host nations, FIFA Fan Festivals will be the epicenter for supporters to gather and participate in the festival of football that the World Cups represent. 

Held in iconic locations throughout each host city, with onsite giant video screens, live music performances, and mouthwatering food outlets, FIFA Fan Festival zones will be as atmospheric as watching the match inside the stadium. So, if you're not going to the game itself, or you simply want to follow every moment of this year’s World Cup, be sure to head out to your nearest FIFA Fan Festival site or any other designated gathering to join in with thousands of other fans all tournament long.

Bodog’s Final Take Ahead On A World Cup Adventure to the USA

Sure, saying you saw the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States is one thing, but telling everyone just how great the non-stop party atmosphere was will be something you will treasure for the rest of your life. Even outside of gamedays, apps such as Tripadvisor’s ‘Go For The Goal’ can help you with everything from organizing your accommodation to showcasing the attractions in every host city, so you get the most out of your time in the States.

Nevertheless, no matter who wins this year’s World Cup on July 19, one thing is for certain – if you do embark on a soccer pilgrimage to the United States this time around, you can proudly claim you did so at the biggest World Cup the global game has ever seen.

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• 2026 FIFA World Cup Guide: Mexico Edition