⚽ How to Go to the FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete Fan Guide
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest tournament in football history, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 48 teams, 16 host cities, and millions of fans expected, attending the World Cup requires planning — but it’s absolutely achievable with the right strategy.
This guide explains exactly how to go to the FIFA World Cup 2026, covering tickets, flights, accommodation, transportation, visas, and budgeting — all in one place.
🗺️ Step 1: Decide Which Matches & Cities to Attend
You don’t need to follow the entire tournament to experience the World Cup atmosphere. Start by choosing:
- Group-stage matches (cheapest and easiest to attend)
- One or two host cities instead of multiple
- Weekday matches for lower demand
2026 Host Cities Include:
- USA: New York/New Jersey (EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Dallas (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco Bay Area (SFO), Boston (BOS), Philadelphia (PHL), Houston (HOU), Kansas City (MCI)
- Canada: Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR)
- Mexico: Mexico City (MEX)
🎟️ Step 2: Buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
Tickets are sold directly by FIFA in phases.
- Register on FIFA Ticketing
- Apply early — popular matches sell out fast
- Select multiple match options to increase your chances
- Choose lower seating categories for cheaper prices
Estimated Ticket Prices:
- Group stage: $60–$300+
- Knockout rounds: $100–$1,500+
- Final: $2,000+
Tip: Group-stage matches in less popular cities offer the best value.
✈️ Step 3: Book Flights to the World Cup
Flights will be one of your biggest expenses. Booking early and staying flexible is key.
- Track prices on Google Flights
- Compare fares using Skyscanner
- Fly into major hubs, then connect domestically
- Consider one-way tickets on different airlines
Sample Roundtrip Flight Costs:
- Europe → USA: $500–$900
- South America → USA: $300–$700
- Asia → USA: $700–$1,300
🏨 Step 4: Choose Where to Stay
Accommodation fills up quickly in host cities.
- Book early with flexible cancellation
- Stay outside city centers and use public transit
- Use Booking.com for hotels
- Use Airbnb or Vrbo for apartments
- Consider hostels for budget travel
Budget Ranges Per Night:
- Hostels: $30–$80
- Mid-range hotels: $120–$250
- Vacation rentals: $100–$300+
🚆 Step 5: Getting Around Between Cities
The 2026 World Cup spans three countries, so transportation planning matters.
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Trains and buses for nearby cities
- Use Rome2Rio to compare transport options
- Book early for match-day travel
Tip: Choose host cities within the same region to reduce travel time and cost.
🛂 Step 6: Visas & Entry Requirements
Entry rules depend on your nationality and the host country.
- USA: Many travelers qualify for ESTA
- Canada: May require an eTA
- Mexico: Visa-free for many nationalities
Check official requirements early:
💰 Step 7: Budget for the World Cup
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $500–$1,200 |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | $800–$1,800 |
| Tickets (2–4 matches) | $300–$1,200 |
| Transportation | $200–$400 |
| Food & extras | $400–$700 |
💡 Essential World Cup Travel Tips
- Attend fan zones if you can’t get tickets
- Travel light to avoid baggage fees
- Use public transport on match days
- Choose weekday matches
- Buy tickets only from official sources
📍 Final Thoughts
Going to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is absolutely possible for fans who plan early, stay flexible, and focus on value. You don’t need luxury packages to experience the atmosphere — smart flight booking, strategic match selection, and early accommodation planning make all the difference.
With the right approach, the World Cup can be one of the most unforgettable (and affordable) trips of your life.