Wondering where to visit during the World Cup 2026? Spread across three countries for the first time in football history, this legendary competition is taking the experience beyond the stadiums, allowing fans to travel and explore more than ever before while cheering on their favorite teams. The question is: what do you most want to see and do in North America during your World Cup 2026 trip? While some might like to tick off all three World Cup 2026 host countries, Canada, the US, and Mexico, others may prefer to focus their travels for a deeper experience of one area.
Across 16 host cities in all three countries, we have identified the very best regions to focus your World Cup 2026 trip. The West Coast, the Northeast Corridor, the South, and Mexico. Each one promises a completely unique journey culminated by their unique landscapes, cultures, cuisine, and experiences. While the West Coast is all about epic road trips, the Northeast offers a progressive, artsy metropolis, the South a soulful country lifestyle, and Mexico, a laid-back tropical urban lifestyle. With the help of our World Cup 2026 Destination Guide, you can choose your journey and start planning ahead of the competition.
West Coast Road-Tripper – Vancouver, Seattle, Bay Area, LA
The Vibe
If you visit the West Coast during the World Cup 2026, you’re in for an epic adventure exploring magnificent landscapes, iconic cities, and quaint American coastal towns. To make the most of it, hire a car and join Route 1, one of the best driving routes in the world. It begins with bushy conifer trees from vast coastal mountain forests reaching high into moody Pacific Northwest skies as frothy water crashes into coastal cliffs and sandy beaches below. Heading south, the roads open out to stretches of rugged hills reminiscent of the English coast before the palm trees of Hollywood Boulevard come into view.
Highlights of the West Coast
Hiking in the Pacific Northwest
Between matches in Vancouver and Seattle, expand your horizons from the stadium out into the great Pacific Northwest, one of the most scenic parts of North America. From the North Cascades to Deception Pass and the Redwoods National Forest, there’s so many stunning paths to hike, soak up the scenery, and spot residing wildlife such as bears, whales, and bald eagles.
Sightseeing in the cities
The West Coast World Cup 2026 hosts, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, are some of the most iconic cities to explore this football season. While places like the Golden Gate Bridge and Rodeo Drive are worth a visit, they are going to be especially busy during the competition, so take the opportunity to get off the beaten path and discover the less touristy side of the cities. Why not wander around the cities by bike to check out an up-and-coming neighborhood, head to local markets, and discover cute boutiques and cafes?
Exploring quaint coastal towns
Don’t restrict yourself to the cities during your West Coast World Cup 2026 visit; the quaint, characterful coastal towns deserve your attention, too. From Vancouver, get the ferry across to Vancouver Island to discover the wilder side of life in Canada. Afterwards, head south of Seattle to find a string of traditional fishing towns with a boutique vibe like Astoria, Mendocino, and Bodega Bay, where you’ll find the best seafood outside of the Deep South. Before reaching San Francisco, stop in Napa Valley for some wine tasting, and then continue town-hopping all the way to LA. From Monterey to Pismo Beach, this wealthy stretch of coast is home to some of the country’s most enviable coastal towns.
Where and when are the West Coast games for the World Cup 2026?
The Northeast Explorer – NYC, Toronto, Philly
The Vibe
As one of the most populated areas of the US and Canada, the Northeast Corridor, featuring major cities like New York, Toronto, and Philadelphia, is an urban playground with a liberal spirit. While much of US history is rooted in this region, the Northeast Corridor is the most modern and progressive part of the US, creating a skyline where Art Deco buildings line up beside glass skyscrapers. Not only does the region’s vibe attract big tech and finance companies, but it also attracts the country’s coolest creatives. The result is a wealthy, global, fast-paced metropolis with a huge arts scene. You could be checking out the distilleries and galleries in the industrial zone of Toronto one day, and watching a Broadway play the next.
Highlights of the Northeast Corridor
Immerse in the arts
From world-renowned museums and broadway plays to indie art studios and indie theater, the creative arts scene will be a defining part of your stay in the Northeast Corridor for the World Cup 2026. The serene galleries in the MoMa and Barnes Foundation will be a welcome antithesis to the crowded World Cup stadiums. Meanwhile, the gritty, creative streets of Brooklyn, Toronto’s West Queen West, and Philly’s Fishtown will transport you into a world of alternative spaces, people, and performances.
Explore US history
As the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia is home to some of the country’s most significant and fascinating pieces of history. Start by visiting Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, before paying a visit to the Liberty Bell, the nation’s symbol of freedom and abolition. After visiting the city’s most significant monuments, wander around to discover Elfreth’s Alley: Oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S., Benjamin Franklin’s grave, and much more.
Dive into the diverse food scene
As one of the most diverse parts of North America, it’s not hard to believe it has a big foodie culture. In Toronto alone, you can find dozens of international neighborhoods, including Greektown, Little India, and Koreatown, each promising a delicious take on local dishes. Whilst in New York, be sure to try the classics like pizza slices, bagels, and cheesecake, but leave room to try its trendy creative cafes, street food stands, and fine dining restaurants.
Where and when are the Northeast games for the World Cup 2026?
The Southern Charmer – Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City
The Vibe
While much of the US is about cool cities and impressive landscapes, the South is all about history and culture, making it the ideal World Cup 2026 destination for travelers who like to dig a bit deeper. Its rich multicultural history has made it a melting pot full of flavor, color, and rhythm. While the cosmopolitan cities pull you into a cultural melting pot powered by music, art, and good food, the country takes you back to a simpler, more traditional way of living. In Texas, that means cacti and cowboy boots. In Georgia, expect soulful communities. And in Kansas, it’s all about food and farming. Wherever you go, expect that famous Southern hospitality to charm you all the way.
Highlights of the South
Discovering the South through its food
Home to some of the US’s best-loved cuisines, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston are a foodie’s fever dream. In Kansas, be sure to get your hands sticky with some delicious barbecue ribs and brisket. Meanwhile, in Texas, it’s all about Tex-Mex, an American take on staple Mexican dishes like quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos. And in Georgia, wrap your lips around the unique Cajun-style seafood dishes like jambalaya, crawfish, and gumbo.
Getting stuck into Southern culture and traditions
From cheering on cowboys at the local rodeo to line dancing at the local honky-tonk, there are many ways to get stuck into the South’s distinctive cultural identity during your World Cup 2026 trip. Much of it is about embracing the ‘Country’ lifestyle, its sense of community, and diverse heritage, but wherever you go and whatever you do, expect it to revolve around music and dancing. The South is strongly rooted to music genres like bluegrass, jazz, country, and soul, which you can find playing on any given night at famous venues and dive bars throughout Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City.
Exploring the South’s landscapes
The Southern US isn’t as synonymous with its landscapes as other regions like the Pacific Northwest, which makes it pleasantly surprising to explore. Much of the South is indeed arid desert and undulating prairies, but these vast empty plains are interrupted by incredible mountain landscapes and beaches. In southern Texas, you can traverse mighty canyons in Big Bend National Park. Head southeast to the Gulf Coast and Golden Isles to wander along rugged beaches and boat through wildlife-rich marshland. And in northern Georgia, you can hike through the hazy Blue Ridge Mountains.
Experience ranch life
The World Cup 2026 is bound to be tense, so take some time between matches to unwind at a traditional Texan ranch, savouring the chance to immerse the great outdoors. After being packed into crowded stadiums, enjoy roaming free on horseback under the wide Texan sky by day and feasting at a chuckwagon cookout under the stars by night. There’s no better initiation into the Southern lifestyle.
Where and when are the Southern games for the World Cup 2026?
The Mexican Magic – CDMX, Guadalajara, Monterrey
The Vibe
Mexico is a culmination of its animated, upbeat culture and lush tropical landscapes, creating an atmosphere that feels lively and joyful, whether you’re in a big city or a small beach town. Expect to drink tequila, dance cumbia, listen to mariachi music, wander through colorful colonial streets, and eat tongue-tingling tacos wherever you go. That said, each World Cup 2026 host destination has its own magnetic personality. While Monterrey is a serious, cosmopolitan city where dramatic mountains meet impressive skyscrapers, Guadalajara is a very trendy, laid-back city with a rich arts scene. The capital of Mexico City, meanwhile, is an exciting mix of both. Together, the three host cities will give you that magic Mexican experience you have been imagining.
Highlights of Mexico
Party at Mexican fiestas
Mexico will take any excuse to throw a fiesta, and kicking off the World Cup 2026 won’t be an exception. From the stadiums to the bars and streets, you’ll never be far away from some good music and mezcal, so join in the celebrations and immerse yourself in Mexican fiesta culture. As the opening host city for the World Cup 2026, there are many festivities planned on the lead-up to and around kick-off, including the FIFA Fan Festival which offers free public match screenings for those who didn’t snatch seats, and much more.
Visit the Pueblos Mágicos
Mexico is dotted with enchanting cultural gems known as ‘Magic Towns’ that show off an exceptional combination of historical significance, traditions, architecture, cuisine, legends, and natural beauty. These towns, often small, slow-paced, and serene, are a world away from the big cities like CDMX and Monterrey, making them a must-visit destination for those seeking the full Mexican experience. There are dozens of Pueblos Mágicos within easy reach of Mexico’s host cities, including the popular Tepoztlán, Ajijic, and Mazamitla, but if you’re looking for something more low-key and authentic skip these towns and head to Tapalpa, Huasca de Ocampo, and Bustamante.
Taste the flavors of Mexico
Forget the lushious tropical landscapes, magical towns, and artsy cities, the best thing about Mexico might just be its food – whether you buy it from an upscale restaurant or a street food stand. As Mexican cuisine plays such a meaningful part in its culture, trying famous and lesser-known regional dishes is one of the best ways you can explore the country. Dig into everyday favorites like tacos, tamales, and quesidillas, as well as more robust dishes like slow-cooked pork, pozole, and mole poblano. In celebration of its iconic cuisine, the country is hosting the México de mis Sabores Gastronomic Festival during the world cup.
Where and when are the Mexican games for the World Cup 2026?
Book your World Cup 2026 Trip
Pinned to be one of the most popular World Cup competitions yet, booking flights, accommodation, tickets, and transport far in advance is important, so get started today with Tripsby.ai. As a multi-city trip, planning and logistics can easily become overwhelming, but our advanced AI-human combined planning and booking service ensures your trip will be smooth and stress-free without compromising on the extraordinary. Oh, and it can do everything within the time it takes to make a cup of coffee. Find out more by talking to our Tripsby Travel Planner today.
