The 2026 World Cup will be the largest sporting event in history, with 104 matches played across 16 cities in three countries. Planning a trip to the tournament requires careful preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your World Cup 2026 trip.

## Step 1: Decide Which Matches to Attend

The first step is to decide which matches you want to attend. The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches played across 16 cities. Consider:

- **Group stage matches** — Multiple matches per day, with the most variety.
- **Knockout rounds** — Higher stakes, more expensive tickets, but more memorable.
- **Final** — The biggest match of the tournament, but the most expensive.

Most fans attend 3-5 matches during a 1-2 week trip, focusing on group stage matches and one or two knockout round matches.

## Step 2: Apply for Tickets

Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are available through the FIFA ticketing portal. The application process has multiple phases, and the most important is the random selection draw. Applications for the random selection draw opened in late 2025 and closed in early 2026.

If you missed the random selection draw, you can still apply for tickets in the first-come, first-served sales for matches that did not sell out. Hospitality packages are also available for corporate buyers, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $25,000+.

## Step 3: Book Flights

Book flights early, as prices increase significantly closer to the tournament. The major airports for the 2026 World Cup are:

- **USA**: JFK, LAX, ORD, ATL, DFW, MIA, EWR, SFO, SEA, IAH, PHL
- **Canada**: YYZ (Toronto), YVR (Vancouver)
- **Mexico**: MEX (Mexico City), GDL (Guadalajara), MTY (Monterrey)

Consider flying into one city and out of another to save money and see more of the host country.

## Step 4: Book Hotels

Book hotels early, as prices increase significantly closer to the tournament. The major hotel markets for the 2026 World Cup are:

- **USA**: New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston
- **Canada**: Toronto, Vancouver
- **Mexico**: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey

Consider staying in a city with multiple matches, as this allows you to attend more matches without having to travel.

## Step 5: Plan Transportation

Each host city has a different transportation system, so plan accordingly. Most host cities have public transit that will get you to the stadium, but some are more accessible than others. Consider:

- **Rental cars** — Useful for cities with limited public transit (Dallas, Kansas City).
- **Public transit** — Most cities have good public transit, with special services on match days.
- **Rideshares** — Widely available, but prices surge on match days.
- **Walking** — Possible for some host cities with stadiums in central locations.

## Step 6: Get a Visa (if needed)

International fans will need to apply for a visa to enter the USA, Canada, or Mexico. Apply early, as processing times can be several months. The US visa waiver program allows citizens of many countries to enter the US without a visa, but all fans will need an ESTA or visa.

## Step 7: Pack

Pack for the climate of the host city you are visiting. The 2026 World Cup is in June and July, so:

- **USA**: Hot in the south, mild in the Pacific Northwest and California.
- **Canada**: Mild in Toronto and Vancouver, with some rain possible.
- **Mexico**: Warm in all three host cities, with afternoon thunderstorms possible.

## Step 8: Plan Your Fan Zone Visits

Each host city has an official FIFA Fan Fest, with capacity ranging from 20,000 to 50,000+ fans. The fan zones feature large screens, food and beverage vendors, and entertainment. Entry to the fan zones is free.

## Conclusion

Planning a World Cup 2026 trip requires careful preparation, but the experience of attending the tournament is unmatched. With proper planning, you can attend multiple matches, explore the host cities, and make memories that will last a lifetime.