16 Host Cities at a Glance — From Los Angeles to Monterrey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup spreads across 11 US cities, 3 Mexican cities and 2 Canadian cities — spanning four time zones and three nations. It is the largest World Cup ever staged by geography, with over 3,000 miles separating the northernmost venue (Vancouver) from the southernmost (Monterrey). Here is the definitive guide to every host city: stadiums, transport, weather, accommodation, fan zones and what to do when the final whistle blows.

USA — Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5, daylight saving UTC-4)

New York / New Jersey

Stadium: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Capacity: 82,500 (expanded to 87,000 for the Final)
Key Matches: Opening match, two semi-finals, the Final (July 19, 2026)
Average June/July Temperature: 24-30 C (75-86 F), humid
Transport from Airport: Newark Liberty (EWR) is 10 miles from MetLife — NJ Transit rail to Secaucus Junction, then shuttle bus (total ~40 minutes). JFK is further (25 miles); the AirTrain + NJ Transit route takes 75-90 minutes. FIFA shuttle buses will operate from Manhattan’s Port Authority terminal on match days.
Accommodation: Midtown Manhattan hotels range from USD 200-600/night during the tournament. Budget alternatives include hotels in Newark (USD 120-200) and Jersey City (USD 150-280). Airbnb and VRBO options in northern New Jersey are typically 30-40% cheaper than Manhattan.
Fan Zone: The FIFA Fan Festival will be held in Times Square and along the Hudson River waterfront, with screens, stages and food vendors. Capacity is expected to exceed 40,000.
Cultural Highlights: The city needs no introduction. Between matches, visitors have the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Broadway theaters, the 9/11 Memorial and some of the best food on the planet. For football fans specifically, Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ (home of the New York Red Bulls) may host additional fan events.
Safety: New York City is statistically safer than at any point since the early 1960s. Standard urban precautions apply — keep valuables secure on the subway, stay aware in crowded areas, and stick to well-lit streets at night.

Philadelphia

Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
Capacity: 69,800
Key Matches: Group-stage matches, one Round of 32 fixture
Average June/July Temperature: 24-31 C (76-88 F)
Transport from Airport: Philadelphia International Airport is 10 miles from the stadium. The SEPTA Airport Line runs to AT&T Station (adjacent to the stadium) in approximately 25 minutes for USD 3.75.
Accommodation: Center City hotels USD 150-350/night. University City (near Penn) offers budget-friendly options at USD 100-200.
Nearby Day Trips: Atlantic City (60 miles), Valley Forge (25 miles), Longwood Gardens (30 miles).

Boston / Foxborough

Stadium: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Capacity: 65,878
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 22-28 C (72-83 F)
Transport from Airport: Logan Airport (BOS) is 30 miles from Foxborough. No direct public transit exists; FIFA shuttle buses from downtown Boston’s South Station are expected. Driving takes 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-share costs approximately USD 50-70 one way.
Accommodation: Downtown Boston hotels USD 250-500/night. Foxborough itself has limited hotel inventory (3-4 properties), so booking early is essential. Providence, RI (20 miles south) offers cheaper alternatives at USD 120-220.
Cultural Highlights: The Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Harvard and MIT campuses, the New England Aquarium, and the waterfront Seaport District for dining.

Miami

Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Capacity: 65,326
Key Matches: Group-stage matches, one quarter-final
Average June/July Temperature: 28-33 C (82-92 F), very humid with afternoon thunderstorms common
Transport from Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) is 16 miles from Hard Rock Stadium. The Metrorail and bus combination takes approximately 60 minutes. FIFA will operate dedicated shuttle services from downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Ride-share costs USD 25-40.
Accommodation: South Beach hotels USD 250-600/night. Coral Gables and Coconut Grove offer mid-range options at USD 150-300. Expect prices to surge 50-100% above normal during match weeks.
Fan Zone: Bayfront Park in downtown Miami is the expected FIFA Fan Festival location, with views of Biscayne Bay.
Safety Tips: Hydration is critical — heat index values regularly exceed 40 C (105 F) in July. Sunscreen, hats and frequent shade breaks are essential. Afternoon thunderstorms typically last 30-60 minutes and pass quickly.
Cultural Highlights: Wynwood Walls street art district, Little Havana’s Calle Ocho, the Art Deco Historic District on South Beach, and Everglades National Park (45 minutes west).

Atlanta

Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Capacity: 71,000 (expandable to 75,000)
Key Matches: Group-stage matches, one Round of 32 fixture
Average June/July Temperature: 26-33 C (79-92 F), humid
Transport from Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest airport — connects directly to downtown via MARTA rail in 15 minutes for USD 2.50. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from the Five Points or Vine City MARTA stations.
Accommodation: Downtown Atlanta hotels USD 150-350/night. Midtown and Buckhead offer alternatives at similar price points.
Cultural Highlights: The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the Western Hemisphere), the World of Coca-Cola, and Ponce City Market for food and shopping.

USA — Central Time Zone (UTC-6, daylight saving UTC-5)

Dallas / Arlington

Stadium: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Capacity: 80,000 (expandable to 93,000 with standing areas)
Key Matches: Group-stage matches including Argentina vs USA (Round 2), one quarter-final
Average June/July Temperature: 30-38 C (86-100 F), dry heat
Transport from Airport: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is 18 miles from AT&T Stadium. No direct rail link exists. TEXRail to Fort Worth then transfer to TRE to CentrePort is one option (90+ minutes). Ride-share is approximately USD 30-45 and takes 25-40 minutes. FIFA shuttle buses from downtown Dallas are expected.
Accommodation: Arlington hotels near the stadium USD 150-300/night. Downtown Dallas hotels USD 180-400. Fort Worth (15 miles west) is cheaper at USD 120-250.
Safety Tips: Extreme heat is the primary concern. Temperatures regularly exceed 38 C (100 F) in July. AT&T Stadium is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, but queuing outdoors requires sun protection and water.

Houston

Stadium: NRG Stadium
Capacity: 72,220
Key Matches: Group-stage matches, one Round of 32 fixture
Average June/July Temperature: 29-35 C (85-95 F), extremely humid
Transport from Airport: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is 25 miles from NRG Stadium. METRORail runs from downtown to NRG Park (15 minutes from Midtown). From IAH to downtown, the 102 bus connects to the rail system (total journey ~75 minutes). Ride-share from IAH costs USD 30-45.
Accommodation: Medical Center/NRG area hotels USD 120-250/night. Downtown Houston USD 150-350.

Kansas City

Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Capacity: 76,416
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 26-33 C (79-92 F)
Transport from Airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is 22 miles from Arrowhead Stadium. No direct public transit. Ride-share costs USD 30-40 (25-35 minutes). FIFA shuttle services from downtown’s Power & Light District are anticipated.
Accommodation: Downtown KC hotels USD 120-280/night. The Country Club Plaza district offers boutique options at USD 150-350.
Cultural Highlights: The National WWI Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and — critically — Kansas City’s world-famous barbecue scene. Joe’s Kansas City, Q39 and Gates BBQ are essential stops.

USA — Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7, daylight saving UTC-6)

Denver

Stadium: Empower Field at Mile High
Capacity: 76,125
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 22-32 C (72-90 F), dry and sunny with intense UV at altitude
Transport from Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) is 25 miles from downtown. The A Line commuter rail runs to Union Station in 37 minutes for USD 10.50. The stadium is a 20-minute walk or short light-rail ride from Union Station.
Accommodation: Downtown Denver hotels USD 150-350/night. Budget options in the suburbs (Lakewood, Aurora) at USD 100-200.
Safety Tips: Denver sits at 5,280 feet (1,609 metres) elevation. Visitors from sea level may experience mild altitude effects — shortness of breath, headaches, faster dehydration. Drink extra water and limit alcohol intake on the first day. The dry air and intense sun require SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Nearby Day Trips: Rocky Mountain National Park (70 miles), Red Rocks Amphitheatre (15 miles), Boulder (30 miles).

USA — Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8, daylight saving UTC-7)

Los Angeles

Stadium: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Capacity: 70,240 (expandable to 100,000 with field-level seating for the World Cup)
Key Matches: Multiple group-stage matches including USA vs Brazil (Round 3), one semi-final
Average June/July Temperature: 22-28 C (72-82 F), dry with marine layer mornings
Transport from Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is just 4 miles from SoFi Stadium. The LAX/Metro connector shuttle links to the new K Line light-rail station (opening scheduled before the tournament), providing a direct rail connection. Ride-share from LAX costs USD 15-25 and takes 10-20 minutes.
Accommodation: Inglewood hotels near SoFi USD 150-300/night. Santa Monica and Venice USD 250-500. Downtown LA USD 180-400. The Metro system connects most tourism areas to Inglewood within 30-45 minutes.
Fan Zone: Santa Monica Beach is the expected FIFA Fan Festival location.
Cultural Highlights: The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, LACMA, and the city’s extraordinary diversity of cuisines — from Koreatown to the taco trucks of East LA.

Seattle

Stadium: Lumen Field
Capacity: 68,740
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 18-25 C (65-77 F), mild and dry (Seattle’s rainy reputation applies to winter, not summer)
Transport from Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) connects to downtown via Link Light Rail in 38 minutes for USD 3.25. Lumen Field is adjacent to the Stadium station on the same line — no transfers needed. One of the best airport-to-stadium public transit connections of any host city.
Accommodation: Downtown Seattle hotels USD 200-400/night. Capitol Hill and Ballard neighborhoods offer alternatives at USD 150-300.
Cultural Highlights: Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, the original Starbucks, and a craft beer scene with over 50 breweries within city limits.

San Francisco Bay Area

Stadium: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Capacity: 68,500
Key Matches: Group-stage matches, one Round of 32 fixture
Average June/July Temperature: 18-27 C (65-80 F) in Santa Clara; San Francisco itself is cooler at 15-21 C (59-70 F) due to fog
Transport from Airport: San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 5 miles from Levi’s Stadium — VTA light rail connects in about 20 minutes. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 35 miles away; Caltrain to Santa Clara station then VTA light rail takes about 75 minutes total.
Accommodation: Santa Clara hotels USD 150-300/night. San Francisco hotels USD 250-500. Oakland offers budget options at USD 130-250.
Cultural Highlights: The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown, the cable cars, Silicon Valley tech campuses (for the curious), and Napa Valley wine country (60 miles north).

Canada

Toronto

Stadium: BMO Field (expanded for the World Cup)
Capacity: 45,736 (expanded from 30,000)
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 22-28 C (72-82 F), humid
Transport from Airport: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) connects to downtown via the UP Express train in 25 minutes for CAD 12.35. BMO Field is on the waterfront, accessible by streetcar from Union Station (15 minutes). Total airport-to-stadium journey: approximately 45 minutes.
Accommodation: Downtown Toronto hotels CAD 200-500/night. Midtown and the Annex neighborhoods offer alternatives at CAD 150-350. Niagara Falls hotels (90 minutes by car) are significantly cheaper.
Cultural Highlights: The CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, and Kensington Market. Toronto’s multicultural food scene — particularly Little Ethiopia, Koreatown and the Danforth’s Greek restaurants — rivals any city in North America.
Nearby Day Trip: Niagara Falls is 130 km (80 miles) south — a 90-minute drive or 2-hour bus ride.

Vancouver

Stadium: BC Place
Capacity: 54,500
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 18-24 C (64-75 F), mild and dry
Transport from Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) connects to downtown via the Canada Line SkyTrain in 26 minutes for CAD 4.45. BC Place is a 5-minute walk from Stadium-Chinatown station on the Expo Line. Total journey: approximately 35 minutes with one transfer.
Accommodation: Downtown Vancouver hotels CAD 250-500/night. Richmond (near the airport) offers alternatives at CAD 150-300.
Cultural Highlights: Stanley Park, Granville Island Public Market, Gastown, Grouse Mountain for hiking, and some of the best sushi outside Japan. The Seawall cycling path offers stunning mountain and ocean views.
Accessibility: BC Place has comprehensive wheelchair accessibility, hearing loops, and sensory rooms. Vancouver’s public transit (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus) is fully accessible.

Mexico

Mexico City

Stadium: Estadio Azteca
Capacity: 87,523
Key Matches: Group-stage matches including at least one Mexico fixture, one Round of 32 fixture. The Azteca is one of only two stadiums in the world to have hosted a World Cup Final (1970 and 1986).
Average June/July Temperature: 15-25 C (59-77 F), mild due to 2,240-metre (7,350-foot) elevation. Afternoon rain showers are common in the rainy season (June-October).
Transport from Airport: Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is 18 km from the Azteca. The Metro system connects directly — Line 1 to Pantitlan, transfer to Line 2 to Taxquena, then a short bus or ride-share (total ~60 minutes, MXN 5 for Metro). Ride-share from the airport costs approximately MXN 200-350 (USD 10-18).
Accommodation: Condesa and Roma neighborhoods USD 80-200/night — among the best value of any host city. Centro Historico USD 60-150. Polanco (upscale) USD 150-350.
Fan Zone: The Zocalo (main plaza) is expected to host the FIFA Fan Festival, as it did for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. Capacity exceeds 100,000.
Cultural Highlights: The National Museum of Anthropology (one of the world’s great museums), Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Coyoacan, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Chapultepec Castle, and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan (50 km northeast). Mexico City’s street food — tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, elote — is unmatched.
Safety Tips: Altitude effects are similar to Denver but more pronounced (Mexico City is 600 metres higher). Tap water should be avoided — drink bottled water. Use registered taxis (sitio) or ride-share apps rather than hailing cabs on the street.

Guadalajara

Stadium: Estadio Akron (Estadio Chivas)
Capacity: 49,850
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 18-30 C (64-86 F), rainy season brings afternoon thunderstorms
Transport from Airport: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) is 25 km from the stadium. Ride-share costs MXN 250-400 (USD 13-21) and takes 30-45 minutes.
Accommodation: Centro Historico hotels USD 50-150/night. Chapultepec and Providencia districts USD 80-200.
Cultural Highlights: Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila. Day trips to Tequila (the town, 60 km northwest) include distillery tours. The Hospicio Cabanas (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Mercado San Juan de Dios, and the lakeside town of Chapala (45 km south) are all worth visiting.

Monterrey

Stadium: Estadio BBVA (Estadio Rayados)
Capacity: 53,500
Key Matches: Group-stage matches
Average June/July Temperature: 28-37 C (82-99 F), hot and humid
Transport from Airport: General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) is 24 km from the stadium. Ride-share costs MXN 300-500 (USD 15-26) and takes 25-40 minutes. The Monterrey Metro does not reach the stadium directly.
Accommodation: Centro and Barrio Antiguo hotels USD 60-180/night. San Pedro Garza Garcia (upscale suburb) USD 100-250.
Cultural Highlights: The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MARCO), the Macroplaza (one of the largest urban plazas in the world), Cerro de la Silla (the iconic saddle-shaped mountain), and Garcia Caves (40 km west). Monterrey is famous for its cabrito (roasted goat) and carne asada culture.
Safety Tips: Extreme heat requires the same precautions as Dallas and Houston. Stay hydrated and seek shade during midday hours.

Accessibility Across All Venues

FIFA has mandated that all 16 venues meet accessibility standards including: wheelchair-accessible seating with companion seats, accessible restrooms, hearing loop systems, sensory rooms for neurodivergent fans, and sign-language interpretation at fan festivals. Each venue will have a dedicated accessibility coordinator. Fans requiring specific accommodations should register through FIFA’s accessibility portal at least 30 days before their match.

General Travel Tips

Visa requirements: Citizens of most European, Asian and Latin American countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA, USD 21, apply at least 72 hours in advance). Canada requires an eTA (CAD 7). Mexico offers visa-free entry for nationals of over 60 countries. Check your specific country’s requirements at travel.state.gov (US), canada.ca (Canada) and gob.mx (Mexico).
Currency: US Dollar (USA), Canadian Dollar (Canada), Mexican Peso (Mexico). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US and Canada. In Mexico, carry some cash for smaller vendors and street food.
Mobile data: International visitors should consider purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM (providers like Airalo and Holafly offer multi-country North America plans starting at USD 15 for 5 GB). Free WiFi is available at most stadiums but will be congested on match days.
Health: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all international visitors, as medical costs in the US are extremely high without coverage. Carry any prescription medications in their original packaging with documentation.

This guide will be updated as FIFA confirms fan zone locations, transport plans and match schedules for each venue. Bookmark this page and check back regularly.