The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be much different from the one that just concluded in Qatar. Unlike this year’s World Cup, which took place within 50 kilometers of Doha, the next World Cup spans three countries, and large countries at that. Canada, the United States and Mexico come together for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this means more travel for not only players but also for fans.
What’s more? FIFA announced it will expand the next World Cup from 32 teams to 48 teams, meaning more countries hoping to vie for the top spot and more fans investing time and money into supporting their teams. The additional 16 teams also see more cities hosting different matches throughout the 2026 World Cup.
That year will be a big year for North American travel, especially in the summer when the World Cup is slated to begin. FIFA recently announced the 16 venues across Canada, the United States and Mexico to host matches, with most currently serving as big-capacity stadiums used by NFL teams. The United States is currently set to host 60 of the 80 total matches.
In the United States alone, the 2026 World Cup stretches from coast to coast. The U.S. stadiums hosting matches in 2026 include MetLife Stadium, New Jersey; AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas; Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington; SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California; Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida; and Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri.
In Canada, BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place Stadium in Vancouver have the honor of hosting some of the matches. Heading south, Mexico’s Estadio Akron, Azteca Stadium and BBVA Bancomer Stadium will also host some of the 2026 matches. While decisions have not yet been made as to where the World Cup Final will be held, one of the contenders includes MetLife Stadium.
The cities hosting the matches expect to see an influx in travel in summer 2026, with hotels, restaurants and attractions gearing up for waves of fans coming to support their teams. Beyond the actual cities hosting the matches, airlines, airports, car rental companies and other travel-related businesses anticipate an increase in traffic as fans find ways to travel to different matches.
The exact schedule of what match happens at what stadium remains a mystery for now, but, once revealed, it is expected the short distances between some of the stadiums will mean those driving between matches will take on the highways, stopping and staying at hotels and restaurants along the way.
Overall, Canada, the United States and Mexico not only anticipate a summer of excitement in the world of soccer but also anticipate a booming season of travel. As 2023 approaches, FIFA plans to make more announcements regarding the 2026 World Cup. Visit here to stay updated on all news and details regarding the next World Cup.
Are you excited North America is hosting the 2026 World Cup? Is your city hosting any of the matches? What are you most excited to see during the World Cup? Do you plan to travel to other matches? Do you think it’s a good idea to spread the World Cup out across three countries? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.
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