The Essential Guide to Tickets, Travel & Hotels

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting sporting events in history.
For the first time, the tournament will take place across three countries, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with 48 teams competing in 16 cities.

It’s an incredible opportunity to see the world’s best players in iconic destinations — but also one that requires some smart planning. Tickets are complicated, hotels will book up, and moving between matches will take strategy. Here’s what you need to know (and how I can help make it seamless).

How FIFA Tickets Work

At this stage, only hospitality and premium tickets are available through On Location, FIFA’s official hospitality provider. These packages go beyond stadium entry, they’re designed for travelers who want an elevated match-day experience, complete with VIP lounges, gourmet dining, and premium seating.

There are three main types:

Single Match Option: From approximately $2,000 per person for VIP access to one group-stage or Round of 32 game, with hospitality ranging from pitch-side lounges to the FIFA Pavilion.
Venue Series Package: From around $8,500 per person, covering every match in one stadium (up to nine games) — ideal for travelers who want to settle in one city and soak up the atmosphere.
Follow My Team Package : Pricing varies; this one lets fans follow their team through all three group-stage matches and into the first knockout round (not yet available for the host nations).

Standard (non-hospitality) tickets will be sold in phases began with the Visa Presale Draw in September 2025. The official draw to assign teams to groups, and determine which cities host which teams, takes place in December 2025.

That’s when the real travel planning begins: once you know where your team will play, I can help you lock in the best hotels and logistics before the rush.

Why Work with a Travel Advisor

The World Cup is extraordinary, and a little chaotic. Cities will fill, tickets sell out fast, and cross-border travel (U.S., Mexico, and Canada) adds layers of logistics. This is exactly the kind of event where having a trusted advisor makes all the difference.

Here’s how I help clients prepare for World Cup travel:

Insider Guidance: Understanding the differences between ticket types, stadium seating, and travel times between venues is key. I’ll help you choose the right cities and matches for your schedule.
VIP Hotel Perks: Many of my hotel partners in host cities offer benefits such as daily breakfast, property credits, upgrades, and late checkout, even during high-demand periods.
Smart Itineraries: I’ll balance your match days with cultural experiences, great dining, and local excursions, whether that’s tacos and mezcal in Mexico City or a day in wine country between matches in California.
Seamless Logistics: From flight connections to transfers between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the excitement, not the logistics.

Meet the Host Cities

The 2026 World Cup is the ultimate reason to plan a summer getaway. From the electric atmosphere of New York City to the food-lover’s paradise of Mexico City, each host city offers something unique, and incredible hotels worth booking early.

Mexico

Mexico City
Where: Estadio Azteca, the only stadium to host three World Cup openers.
Vibe: A city of layers where Aztec ruins meet cutting-edge art galleries, and the food scene runs from casual taco stands to Michelin-starred dining. Stay in chic neighborhoods like Polanco or Roma Norte, Las Alcobas, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, or Casa Polanco offer the perfect blend of luxury and location.

Guadalajara
Where: Estadio Akron, home to Chivas, one of Mexico’s most storied clubs.
Vibe: Tradition meets trend. Mariachi echoes through plazas, tequila flows freely, and craft cocktail bars keep the night alive. Stay at Hotel Demetria or Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara for modern comfort and easy access to the action.

Monterrey
Where: Estadio BBVA, nicknamed The Steel Giant, framed by the Sierra Madre mountains.
Vibe: Bold, ambitious, and outdoorsy. Monterrey’s skyline and hiking trails are equally striking, and its dining scene rivals any major city. Habita Monterrey and JW Marriott Monterrey Valle are sleek, stylish, and ideal for downtime between matches.

U.S. East

New York & New Jersey
Where: MetLife Stadium, host of the 2026 Final.
Vibe: The games may be in Jersey, but New York is the heartbeat. From rooftop cocktails to late-night eats, it’s a global stage all its own. I recommend The Whitby Hotel or The Warren Street Hotel for central, vibrant stays with style.

Boston
Where: Gillette Stadium, known for its lighthouse tower and Patriots legacy.
Vibe: Cobblestones, collegiate energy, and serious sports pride. Stay downtown at The Newbury Boston or The Liberty Hotel for a perfect mix of location and charm.

Philadelphia
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, just minutes from downtown.
Vibe: Proud, passionate, and full of flavor, from cheesesteaks to modern bistros. The Rittenhouse or W Philadelphia offer comfort, space, and views.

Miami
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, a venue that hosts everything from the NFL to F1.
Vibe: Sun, rhythm, and nonstop energy. Pair your matches with beach days or rooftop cocktails. The Setai, The Betsy South Beach, and 1 Hotel South Beach are perfect bases for both fans and sun-seekers.

U.S. Central

Dallas & Arlington
Where: AT&T Stadium, “Jerry World,” a tech-driven colossus.
Vibe: Big and bold, just like Texas. Expect incredible dining and nightlife. Stay at The Joule, Virgin Hotels Dallas, or Hotel Crescent Court for urban comfort with flair.

Houston
Where: NRG Stadium, the first NFL arena with a retractable roof.
Vibe: Diversity is Houston’s calling card, art, science, and global cuisine collide. Post Oak Hotel or Four Seasons Houston keep you close to the action with five-star ease.

Kansas City
Where: Arrowhead Stadium.
Vibe: Jazz, barbecue, and one of the country’s most passionate fan cultures. Crossroads Hotel or Hotel Kansas City deliver local character and heart.

Atlanta
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, futuristic, energy-efficient, and full of soul.
Vibe: Music, food, and history. The city hums. Thompson Atlanta Buckhead and Bellyard, West Midtown are top picks with personality.

U.S. West

Los Angeles
Where: SoFi Stadium, one of the most advanced in the world.
Vibe: Sun, stars, and street food. From Beverly Hills to Santa Monica, LA’s energy is infectious. Santa Monica Proper, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and Hotel Bel-Air are timeless favorites for a reason.

San Francisco Bay Area
Where: Levi’s Stadium, in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Vibe: Culture meets innovation, with wine country just an hour away. Stay at 1 Hotel San Francisco or Nobu Hotel Palo Alto for easy access and indulgent downtime.

Seattle
Where: Lumen Field, home to the “12th Man.”
Vibe: Coffee, mountains, and music. The Pacific Northwest at its best. Thompson Seattle or Four Seasons Seattle combine comfort with those skyline views.

Canada

Toronto
Where: BMO Field, lakeside with CN Tower views.
Vibe: Cosmopolitan, diverse, and full of heart. From Kensington Market to high-design hotels like 1 Hotel Toronto or The St. Regis, the city is endlessly vibrant.

Vancouver
Where: BC Place, a skyline-framed stadium with a retractable roof.
Vibe: Ocean, mountains, and the West Coast’s best Asian food scene. Fairmont Pacific Rim, Loden Hotel, and The Douglas offer stylish stays with nature at your doorstep.

Plan Now, Celebrate Later

With 16 cities across three countries, this World Cup is a chance to turn your passion for football into a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Whether you want to follow your favorite team, experience the fan energy in a single city, or build a custom multi-country itinerary, early planning is everything.

I can help you design a tailored World Cup itinerary, combining official hospitality tickets, premium hotels, and all the logistics (flights, transfers, and cultural add-ons) that make it effortless.

If you’re already dreaming of 2026, now is the time to start.

Let’s make it unforgettable, on and off the pitch.

World Cup 2026