The FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off in Mexico on 11 June, making this route perfect for travellers wanting to experience the opening stages of the tournament in one of football’s most passionate nations.

Start in Mexico City, where the opening match will kick off the excitement to come over the next few weeks. Look forward to fan gatherings, public screenings and celebrations throughout the city as supporters from around the world come together for the start of the tournament.

Continue to Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s football capitals and a city known for its deep sporting heritage. Besides the tournament, you’ll have time to explore colonial architecture, bustling markets and some of the country’s most famous food and drink.

Finish in Monterrey, home to some of Mexico’s most passionate supporters and a number of tournament fixtures. With its modern stadiums, energetic nightlife and excellent restaurants, it’s a fitting place to round off your FIFA World Cup 2026™ adventure.

Alongside the football, this route offers a fantastic introduction to Mexico’s culture, cuisine and hospitality.

When to go for football: 11 - 20 June 2026

Best for: opening matches, strong football culture and exuberant fan vibes.

If you’re wanting to combine the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with an iconic road trip, this is the route for you.

Starting in Vancouver, you’ll experience one of Canada’s most scenic cities, surrounded by mountains, forests and the Pacific Ocean. From there, travel south to Seattle, a vibrant city with a strong sporting culture and a lively waterfront atmosphere.

Continue to San Francisco, where you’ll have the chance to combine tournament action with visits to famous landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz Island.

Finish in Los Angeles, which is expected to be one of the most exciting host cities of the tournament. Between matches, spend time exploring the city’s famous beaches, entertainment districts and world-class dining scene.

An itinerary that can be enjoyed during the opening stages of the tournament, this route allows you to combine football with some of North America's most iconic destinations.

When to go for football: 11 - 20 June

Best for: early group-stage matches, sightseeing and classic West Coast road trip experiences.

For those looking to maximise the number of matches they can potentially attend, this route takes in several major host cities during the heart of the group stages.

Begin in Kansas City, a city with a growing football reputation and a passionate sporting culture. From there head south to Dallas and Houston two of the tournaments key venues and cities expected to host multiple fixtures throughout the group stages.

Away from the stadiums you’ll have the chance to experience Texas barbecue, live music, fascinating museums and the distinctly American atmosphere that makes travelling through this part of the country so enjoyable

Finish in Atlanta, Georgia home to one of the tournament’s standout stadiums and a city known for its vibrant food scene, culture and sporting heritage.

When to go for football: 15 - 27 June

Best for: multiple matches, big stadium atmospheres and classic American road trip experiences.

As the group stages come to an end and the knockout rounds begin, the atmosphere reaches another level.

Start in Toronto, one of Canada’s host cities and a fantastic base for the opening knockout fixtures. As the tournament goes on, continue to Boston and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, both offering a great combination of sporting atmosphere, history and culture.

The final leg of your journey, you may find yourself in New York, experiencing the buzz of one of the world’s great cities, or in Miami, where football, sunshine and beaches combine to create an incredible atmosphere.

The knockout rounds are where the anticipation sky-rockets. Every match matters, every goal feels more important, and every city becomes filled with supporters hoping their team can go all the way. Following the latter stages of the tournament is one of the best ways to experience the true excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

When to go for football: 28 June - 19 July

Best for: knockout football, tournament drama and following the road to the final.

One of the best things about the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is that you don’t necessarily need match tickets to enjoy the experience.

Every host city is expected to feature fan festivals, public screenings, live entertainment and football-themed events throughout the tournament. Many travellers choose to visit host cities specifically for the atmosphere, enjoying matches alongside thousands of fellow supporters from around the world. Whether you’re planning a dedicated football trip or combining the tournament with a wider holiday across North America, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting sporting events out there.

It's not too late to start planning your FIFA World Cup 2026™ adventure, and if you're already visiting these destinations in the next few weeks - look forward to the fun football festivities!