Guide to watching the 2026 World Cup host cities in North America, including transportation and accommodation in 16 cities in one article

The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and is distributed in 16 host cities. From Los Angeles on the west coast to New York on the east coast, from Toronto in the north to Monterey in the south, it spans six thousand kilometers across three time zones. If you plan to go to watch the game, you should start planning transportation, accommodation and visas six months in advance.

This article organizes game viewing information for the 16 host cities by geographical region. Including venue capacity, team, transportation methods, accommodation area, visa strategy, and ticketing channels. Based on the latest official information in May 2026, FIFA has announced the full schedule and groupings.

Overview of the complete list of host cities

The 11 cities in the United States include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.

2 cities in Canada, Toronto and Vancouver. 3 cities in Mexico, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. A total of 16 host cities and 16 stadiums. The largest is New Jersey's Metropolitan Stadium, with a capacity of 87,000, hosting the final. The smallest is BC Place in Vancouver with a capacity of 54,500.

The 48 participating teams are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each. 72 games were played in the group stage, with 32 teams advancing to the top 16. 32 knockout games to the final. The entire schedule runs from the opening on June 11 to the finals on July 19, a total of 39 days and 104 games.

Game viewing guide for three cities in the Northeastern United States

The MetLife Stadium in New York and New Jersey is the venue for the finals. Capacity 87,000 people, 30 minutes drive from Manhattan. The most convenient way is to take NJ Transit from Penn Station in New York to the Meadowlands Sports Complex station for about 25 minutes. Accommodation is recommended in Midtown Manhattan or Jersey City, with average hotel prices starting at $800 per night during finals week.

Boston's Gillette Stadium has a capacity of 65,000 and hosts 7 group stage games plus 2 knockout games. It’s a 35-minute drive from downtown Boston, with no direct subway access. It is recommended to rent a car or charter a car. Accommodation is available at local hotels in Boston Downtown or Foxborough. Boston Logan Airport is the New England hub.

Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field has a capacity of 69,000 and hosts six games including one quarterfinal game. The Broad Street Line subway goes directly to the stadium area. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to take Amtrak from New York to Philadelphia 30th Street Station and then change to the subway. There are many options for lodging in Center City, Philadelphia.

A Guide to Game Watching in Three Cities in the Southern United States

Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a capacity of 75,000 and is host to 8 games including 1 semi-final. The Atlanta MARTA subway has direct access to the GWCC/CNN Center station, which is a 5-minute walk away. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers easy access to international connections.

Miami's Hard Rock Stadium has a capacity of 65,000 and hosts seven group games and one third-place match. There is no subway a 30 minute drive from downtown Miami. Recommend renting a car or Uber. You can stay in Miami Beach or downtown. The climate is hot and rainy from June to July. It is recommended to bring a light raincoat.

Houston's NRG Stadium has a capacity of 72,000 and hosts six games including one in the Round of 16. The Red Line subway goes directly to Stadium Park/Astrodome Station, a 10-minute walk to the venue. Accommodation in Downtown Houston or Medical Center area. In Texas, the temperature in June is over 35 degrees Celsius every day, so be careful to prevent heatstroke.

Five cities in central and western United States

AT&T Stadium in Dallas has a capacity of 80,000 and hosts nine games including one semifinal. In Arlington, a 30-minute drive from downtown Dallas. There is no direct bus, so it is recommended to rent a car or buy a bus in a group. Stay at a local hotel in Dallas Downtown or Arlington.

Kansas City Arrowhead Stadium has a capacity of 76,000 and hosts 6 games. The Truman Sports Complex is a 20-minute drive from downtown Kansas City. Accommodation is convenient at Country Club Plaza or Downtown KC. The airport Kansas City International MCI is located 30 kilometers from the city.

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a capacity of 70,000 and is a major West Coast venue. 8 games hosted including 1 semi-final. In Inglewood, a 15-minute drive from LAX Airport. Accommodation is fine in Downtown LA, Hollywood, or Santa Monica. It is recommended to rent a car as public transportation in LA is inconvenient.

San Francisco Bay Area Levi's Stadium capacity 68,000, 6 games. In Santa Clara, it's a 50-minute drive from downtown San Francisco and closer to the San Jose Airport. It is recommended to stay in San Jose or Santa Clara to be close to the venue. The weather in the Bay Area is cool in June and a jacket is recommended.

Seattle's Lumen Stadium has a capacity of 69,000, with six games including one in the Round of 16. In the SoDo district of downtown Seattle, there is direct access to the Sound Transit Link light rail. Accommodation options in Downtown Seattle. Seattle has the best sunshine and weather in June, making it one of the most comfortable cities to watch games.

Guide to watching games in two Canadian cities

BMO Arena in Toronto has expanded its capacity to 45,000 and will host five games, including Canada's home game. Take GO Transit from Union Station in Toronto to Exhibition Station for 5 minutes. There are many options for accommodation in Toronto’s Downtown or Liberty Village. Canada Visa Process Chinese tourists need eTA plus visa application.

Vancouver's BC Place has a capacity of 54,500 and hosts 7 games including Team Canada's home stadium. The venue is a 5-minute walk from the SkyTrain Stadium-Chinatown station in downtown Vancouver. Accommodation in Downtown Vancouver or Gastown area. Vancouver’s mild climate is best between June and July.

Canadian Visa Starting from 2024, visitors to China holding a valid U.S. B1 B2 visa can stay visa-free for 6 months. If you don’t have a US visa, you need a formal Canadian visa. It is recommended to apply 3 months in advance.

Guide to watching games in three cities in Mexico

Mexico City's Azteca Stadium has a capacity of 87,000 and is a historic World Cup venue. The finals were played here in 1970 and 1986. Responsible for 5 group matches and 1 round of 16 in 2026. It is a 10-minute walk from General Anaya Station on Metro Line 7. However, please do not exercise strenuously when you first arrive at the venue, which is 2,240 meters above sea level.

The Akron Stadium in Guadalajara has a capacity of 49,850 and hosts 4 games including the home of Mexico. 20 minutes drive from downtown Guadalajara. Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico with a pleasant climate averaging 25 degrees in June.

Monterrey BBVA Stadium has a capacity of 51,348 and hosts 4 games. In the town of Guadalupe, a suburb of Monterey, a 30-minute drive from the city center. Monterey is close to the U.S.-Texas border and June is hot with temperatures above 35 degrees. Mexican visa Chinese tourists need a Mexican visa or ESTA. If they already have a US visa, they can apply for a Mexican electronic visa.

签证和入境攻略

美国签证中国游客办 B1 B2 旅游商务签，需要面签预约现在排期 6 到 12 个月，2026 年初想去现场观赛的人 2025 年中就要预约。已经持有 10 年美签的人无需重办但要确认 EVUS 是否需要更新。

加拿大签证可以走电子签 eTA 如果已经有美签。否则正式签证需要 4 到 8 周。墨西哥电子签 FMM 已有美签或加签可在线申请 24 小时下来。

入境后三国跨境很重要。建议规划行程时尽量集中在一个国家。跨国看球要带护照签证机场二次安检。美墨边境 6 月排长队建议非高峰过境。

票务渠道和价格

FIFA 官方票务网站 fifa.com/tickets 是唯一合法渠道。2026 年 2 月开放第一轮抽签购票，5 月开始正式销售。普通小组赛门票从 100 美元起，半决赛 1000 到 4000 美元，决赛 3000 到 10000 美元。

不要从黄牛或二手网站买，FIFA 已经启用 NFC 票面绑定护照防转卖。被识别为转卖票场馆门口直接拒绝入场。如果买不到官方票考虑去公开训练场看球队备战，免费且能近距离接触球员。

观赛 Hospitality 套餐由 FIFA 合作伙伴 MATCH Hospitality 销售，包含 VIP 座位加餐饮加礼品价格 3000 美元起。如果预算够这是最舒适的方式。

住宿和交通省钱技巧

机票订票最佳时间是开赛前 6 个月，2025 年 12 月。临近开赛 1 个月票价会涨 50% 到 100%。从中国出发选择多伦多或洛杉矶机场转机最实惠。

住宿在小组赛主办城市要早订。墨西哥城、纽约、洛杉矶决赛周酒店均价 800 到 1500 美元。Airbnb 整租或共享公寓比酒店便宜 30% 到 50%。如果跨城跑可以考虑租 RV 房车一晚 200 美元能住一家四口。

跨城交通建议用美国 Amtrak 火车票、Greyhound 大巴、租车自驾结合。美国机票国内段比预想贵不少。北美跨城短途 500 公里以内开车比飞机划算。

FAQ

When will 2026 World Cup tickets go on sale?

FIFA's official ticket sales will begin in February 2026 with the first round of lottery tickets, and will enter the official sales stage in May. Tickets for the finals and semi-finals will be released at the earliest, and the group stage will be released in batches. It is recommended to apply as soon as the registration account opens at fifa.com/tickets. Popular games such as the US team game and England vs. Argentina will be sold out within a few hours.

What kind of visa do Chinese fans need to apply for to watch the World Cup?

It depends on which games you watch. The visa interview appointment for the B1 B2 tourist visa in the United States is currently scheduled for 6 to 12 months. Canada has a US visa that can be obtained through eTA electronic visa, otherwise it will take 4 to 8 weeks to get a formal visa. If you have a US visa or additional visa in Mexico, you can apply for an e-visa within 24 hours, otherwise you will need a traditional visa. It is recommended to apply for a visa 6 to 12 months in advance rather than waiting until close to the start of the competition.

Which host city has the best value for money accommodation?

Vancouver, Canada and Guadalajara, Mexico are the most cost-effective. The average hotel price in downtown Vancouver is $200 per night, which is 60% lower than in New York, and the entire Airbnb rental in Guadalajara is $80 per night. If you just look at the US, Seattle and Kansas City are half cheaper than New York LA. If you have to be in New York or Los Angeles during the finals week, it is recommended to book 6 months in advance or stay in a hotel in the outskirts and commute to the venue.

Can I go to watch the game if I don’t speak English or Spanish?

Absolutely. Airport hotels and stadiums in major cities in the United States have Chinese services. Many Chinese in Mexico City and Vancouver, Canada, can communicate in Chinese without any barriers. The Google Translate offline package installed on mobile phones is sufficient for basic daily communication. Organizing a group or following a China Travel Agency themed tour is the most worry-free way. There will also be multilingual volunteers on site at the FIFA Fan Festival.

If you can't buy a game ticket, what else can you do to watch the game?

The host cities have official Fan Festival live broadcasts on big screens, and admission is free and the atmosphere is lively. You can also go to the team's public training ground to watch the preparations, which are usually open to fans for free 2 to 3 days before the game. Local bars will also reserve the court to play games, and the experience of drinking beer and watching the game is more lively than sitting on the bench at the stadium. The cheapest way is to book a night's stay in the host city, go around the stadium during the day, eat and drink, and watch the game at a bar in the evening.