world cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 US Host Cities: A Canadian's Travel Guide

Ten US cities are hosting World Cup 2026 matches, and all are easily accessible to Canadians. Here's your city-by-city guide to the best venues, bars, restaurants and fan experiences across America.

Published 2026-04-05 · 13 minute read

The United States is hosting 10 of the 16 World Cup 2026 venues, including the Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. For Canadians, the US host cities are accessible by direct flights from most major Canadian airports — and Canadians don't need a visa or ESTA to enter the US. Here's what you need to know about each city.

New York / New Jersey — The Final (MetLife Stadium)

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host the FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, 2026. Tickets for the Final will be among the most sought-after in sporting history — expect resale prices north of CAD $3,000–10,000. Even without a ticket, New York City will be electric during the tournament, particularly for the Final weekend.

  • Getting there from Canada: Direct flights from Toronto (1h 30m), Montreal (1h 15m), Vancouver (5h 30m)
  • Stadium transport: NJ Transit train to Meadowlands Sports Complex (no driving — parking is extremely limited)
  • Best fan zones: Times Square, Central Park, Hudson Yards will have major viewing events
  • Best football pubs: Legends (near Yankee Stadium), The Ainsworth (multiple locations), Smithfield Bar & Restaurant
  • Budget tip: Stay in Newark or Jersey City — far cheaper than Manhattan and well connected by transit

Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is one of the most modern venues on the planet. LA's huge Latin American, European, and African communities make it one of the most football-passionate cities in the US during the World Cup. Expect enormous crowds across the city for Mexico and Brazil games in particular.

  • Getting there from Canada: Direct flights from Vancouver (2h 45m), Toronto (5h 30m)
  • Stadium transport: Rent a car or use Uber — SoFi Stadium is not well-served by public transit, though the Crenshaw Line is nearby
  • Best fan zones: Hollywood, Venice Beach, Downtown LA will host public viewings
  • Best football pubs: The King's Head (Santa Monica), Ye Olde King's Head (Santa Monica) — iconic English pub, Tinga (for Mexican game atmosphere)
  • Budget tip: LA is expensive. Stay in Culver City or Inglewood for proximity to the stadium at lower hotel prices

Dallas (AT&T Stadium)

AT&T Stadium in Arlington has the largest capacity of any US venue (80,000+) and famously has the world's largest column-free interior — ideal for a World Cup. Dallas in June/July is extremely hot (35–40°C), so plan accordingly. The stadium is fully air-conditioned.

  • Getting there from Canada: Direct flights from Toronto (~3h 30m), Calgary (~3h)
  • Stadium transport: The Arlington Trolley runs from downtown Arlington, but a car or rideshare is most practical
  • Best fan areas: Deep Ellum and Uptown Dallas have excellent bar scenes for match viewings
  • Best football pubs: The Londoner (Addison), Knox-Henderson corridor bars
  • Budget tip: Accommodation in Arlington (near the stadium) is cheaper than downtown Dallas
  • Heat warning: June/July in Dallas is brutally hot. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated outside the stadium

Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)

Miami's massive Latin American fanbase makes it one of the most atmospheric World Cup cities. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosts matches and South Beach will be the unofficial fan capital of the tournament for South American supporters. Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico games here will be extraordinary.

  • Getting there from Canada: Direct flights from Toronto (3h), Montreal (3h), Calgary (5h)
  • Stadium transport: Brightline train (from downtown Miami to the stadium area is planned) or rideshare
  • Best fan areas: South Beach (Ocean Drive), Wynwood, Brickell City Centre
  • Best football pubs: The British Bulldog (South Beach), Rec Room Miami, Ball & Chain (Little Havana for Latin match atmosphere)
  • Heat warning: Miami in June/July is hot and humid. The stadium is open-air — bring sunscreen and wear light clothing

Seattle (Lumen Field)

Seattle is the closest US host city to British Columbia. Many Canadians will drive or take the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver to Seattle for games. Lumen Field is a great stadium with a famously loud atmosphere. Seattle has a growing football culture and will be very close to capacity for all matches.

  • Getting there from Canada: Drive from Vancouver (~3h), direct flights (~1h), Amtrak Cascades train (~4h from Vancouver)
  • Stadium transport: LINK Light Rail to Stadium Station (easiest option)
  • Best fan areas: Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market area
  • Best football pubs: The George & Dragon Pub (most famous British pub in Seattle), Fuel Sports (Capitol Hill), Rhein Haus (German-style for European games)
  • Budget tip: Seattle is expensive — consider staying in Bellevue or Tacoma and commuting via light rail
  • Border tip: The Pacific Highway (Highway 99) border crossing near Blaine can have 2–4 hour waits on weekends. Leave very early or use NEXUS lanes.

Boston (Gillette Stadium)

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (about 40 minutes south of Boston) hosts World Cup games. Boston's huge Irish and European immigrant community makes it a great football city. The city also has significant Portuguese and Brazilian communities, which will make their national team games especially atmospheric.

  • Getting there from Canada: Direct flights from Toronto (1h 30m), Montreal (1h), Halifax (1h 30m)
  • Stadium transport: Commuter Rail from Boston South Station to Foxboro on match days
  • Best fan areas: Fenway Park area, South Boston, Cambridge
  • Best football pubs: The Banshee (Dorchester), The Penalty Box, McGann's Irish Pub

Other US Host Cities

Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), and San Francisco/Bay Area (Levi's Stadium) round out the US host cities. All are reachable by direct flight from Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal in under 5 hours.

Cross-Border Travel Tips for Canadians

  • Canadian passport holders do not need an ESTA, visa waiver, or pre-authorization to enter the US
  • You can stay in the US for up to 6 months as a visitor (CBP officer has discretion)
  • Declare any food items at the border — bringing Canadian meat or produce can cause delays or fines
  • Travel insurance is essential in the US — medical costs without coverage can be catastrophic
  • Inform your Canadian bank and credit card companies of your US travel dates to avoid blocks
  • The US dollar is the only currency accepted — exchange before you go or use no-FX-fee cards
  • Purchasing US SIM cards or using international roaming plans from Canadian carriers is recommended

The United States is ready to put on a spectacular World Cup. For Canadians, the combination of easy entry, direct flights, and incredible stadium experiences makes the US host cities an obvious extension of the home-soil World Cup experience. Book flights and hotels as early as possible — these cities are already seeing hotel prices spike for match weeks.