FIFA World Cup 2026: Match Schedule & Best Hotels in Host Cities

The 2026 World Cup schedule is truly ambitious, with elaborate plans in store for every host city. This exciting tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 16 host cities and a thrilling lineup of 104 matches.

The frequency and prestige of matches vary from city to city, but generally speaking, US cities are set to host more games than those in Mexico and Canada.

Your Essential Guide to the 2026 World Cup Match Schedule

👉🏻 Catch all the action: View the official FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule here!

How to Score Your Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026

For your peace of mind, please remember that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official platform for securing your tickets.

⚠️ A quick heads-up: be cautious with resale websites. FIFA has a very strict policy and may invalidate any tickets purchased through unofficial channels.

Next up, head over to the official website to register your FIFA ID. You'll get an email notification the moment new ticket windows open, so you won't miss a thing!

Ticket Types (Helping You Choose the Perfect Ticket)

When planning your trip, we know that ticket prices and the best views are top of mind. To help you decide, here are a few ticket options worth considering:

• Individual Match Tickets (IMTs): Your pass to a single, unforgettable game.
• Venue-Specific Ticket Series (VSTs): These are your golden tickets to all the action at a single stadium! For instance, if you’re based in Los Angeles, this series lets you catch every game hosted right at SoFi Stadium. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly choice for travelers, saving you the stress and expense of crisscrossing the city.
• Team-Specific Ticket Series (TSTs): These tickets are all about following your favorite team! If your team advances, your ticket is automatically valid for the next round. If they happen to be eliminated, don't worry—your remaining ticket simply converts into a general admission pass, so you can keep enjoying the tournament atmosphere.
• Hospitality Packages: Elevate your experience! These aren't your standard tickets—they're premium box seats that come with exclusive perks like gourmet dining and access to a VIP lounge.

Estimated ticket price

Drawing on the latest info and our own travel adventures:

• Budget-friendly options: If you're looking for a deal, the most affordable Category 4 tickets for the group stage—typically set aside for local residents—are expected to be in the $60–$80 range.
• Standard tickets: If you're looking to join the fun, Category 2 or 3 tickets for tourists generally range from $150 to $400.
• Finals: Get ready to budget, as ticket prices are expected to start at over $1,000.

Where Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches Be Held? Discover the 16 Host Cities

To keep travel times to a minimum, FIFA has organized the 16 host cities into three distinct regions: West, Central, and East. Here’s how they break down:

Western Region: 5 must-visit cities

Vancouver (BC Place), Seattle (Lumen Field), the San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), and Guadalajara (Estadio Akron).

Highlights: Stunning Pacific coastline, breathtaking scenery, and a time zone that’s perfect for Asian viewers.

Central Region: 6 must-visit cities

Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Monterrey (Estadio BBVA), and Mexico City (Estadio Azteca).

Highlights: Get ready for an electric football atmosphere! Dallas is the ultimate "super hub" for this tournament, hosting more matches than anywhere else.

East Region: 5 must-visit cities

Toronto (BMO Field), Boston (Gillette Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), and New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium).

Highlights: The host city for the finals; perfectly positioned near Europe and Africa; and boasting incredibly easy access for travelers.

Must-Visit Venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

You might also want to check out which of the "highlight matches" are coming up!

Opening Match - Mexico City, Estadio Azteca

As the first stadium in history to host the World Cup opening ceremony three times, this iconic venue is a true football legend. It’s where both Pelé and Maradona were crowned champions, cementing its place in sporting history.

The Final Match - New York/New Jersey, MetLife Stadium

Nestled right in the heart of the East Coast, this massive 82,500-seat venue is set to host the epic final on July 19, 2026.

Hosting the Most Matches – Dallas, AT&T Stadium

It hosted the most matches, including a thrilling semi-final! Today, it stands as one of the world's largest and most cutting-edge indoor stadiums.

MetLife Stadium | Photo credit: KGET.com

✨ Essential tips for your FIFA World Cup adventure

• North America’s climate in June and July is a world of contrasts! While you’ll find Miami and Houston basking in hot, humid sunshine, Mexico City offers a unique high-altitude adventure, and Vancouver stays refreshingly cool.
• San Francisco (Santa Clara), Boston (Foxborough), and New York (East Rutherford)—these venues aren't actually right in the city center, and the drive can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. When you're planning where to stay, don't just limit your search to the downtown area!
• Choosing the right region (West, Central, or East) is key to a smooth trip! For the best experience, try to stick to one region so you can spend less time traveling and more time exploring.

Where to Stay for the 2026 World Cup? Your Ultimate Accommodation Guide

When booking your stay, prioritize locations near "public transportation hubs" rather than "near stadiums." On match days, road closures can be severe, leading to outrageous price hikes—sometimes 5 to 10 times the usual rate—and the areas surrounding stadiums are often surprisingly desolate.

I’ve put together a list of three standout hotels across the World Cup host cities—Dallas, New York, and Los Angeles—each offering a unique vibe and experience for your next getaway.

Dallas, TX – The City Hosting the Most Games

Stadium: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), nestled in the heart of Arlington.

• Loews Arlington Hotel: Brand new, luxurious, and perfectly positioned right next to the stadium—you'll even enjoy panoramic views of the action directly from your window!
• Hilton Garden Inn DFW Airport South: Enjoy the convenience of an airport shuttle service and find yourself just a quick 20-minute drive away from the excitement of Arlington Stadium.
• Westin Dallas Downtown: Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, this is the ideal home base for anyone looking to explore Dallas and catch all the excitement at Fan Fest.

New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ) – The Ultimate Finals Destination

Stadium: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium).

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Manhattan Times Square: Perfectly situated in the heart of Times Square, this hotel offers the ultimate vibe for anyone visiting New York for the very first time.
• Hampton Inn Carlstadt: Located just a quick drive from the stadium, this is one of the most convenient spots to stay if you're looking to save time!
• Hyatt Regency Jersey City: Perched right on the Hudson River, this hotel puts you in the perfect spot—just steps from the PATH train for an easy trip into New York City, and a quick light rail ride away from the stadium.

Los Angeles, CA – A vibrant metropolis in the heart of the West

Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), nestled in the heart of Inglewood.

• The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach: Many travelers love staying by the ocean and catching the official shuttle straight to the stadium!
• Residence Inn by Marriott LAX/Century Blvd: Spacious accommodations that families on Trip.com absolutely love!
• Best Western Airpark Hotel: Located just a stone's throw from the stadium, this is the perfect spot if you're here primarily for the game and aren't planning on doing much sightseeing.