Travelling to the 2026 World Cup is a major logistical undertaking — especially if you're coming from overseas and hoping to see matches in multiple cities. Here's the complete practical guide.
Visas
Visiting the USA
Citizens of 42 countries can enter the USA without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) — but must have a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) approved before travel. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. Cost: $21 USD.
Citizens of countries not on the VWP list need a B-2 Tourist Visa from a US Embassy. Apply several months in advance — demand is extremely high during World Cup periods.
Visiting Canada
Canada has its own electronic travel authorisation, the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying into Canada. Apply at canada.ca/eta. Cost: CAD $7. Most travellers from VWP-eligible countries also qualify for the Canadian eTA.
Visiting Mexico
Most nations can enter Mexico without a visa for tourism stays of up to 180 days. At the airport, you'll fill out a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) — keep your copy, as you'll need it when departing.
Flights
Book domestic flights within North America as early as possible. The major airline hubs serving World Cup venues are:
- New York: JFK, Newark (EWR), LaGuardia
- Los Angeles: LAX
- Dallas: DFW
- Atlanta: ATL
- Chicago: O'Hare (ORD) — useful for Kansas City connections
- Seattle: SEA
- Miami: MIA
- Houston: IAH
- Vancouver: YVR
- Toronto: YYZ
- Mexico City: MEX
Budget airlines like Southwest, Frontier and Spirit connect US cities cheaply. For travel between countries, check American, United, Air Canada and Aeroméxico.
Ground Transport
In the USA
Each stadium is reachable by public transit — metro, light rail or commuter rail. Do not plan to drive to matches. Parking will be scarce and expensive; rideshares (Uber/Lyft) will surge price to extraordinary levels.
Get a local transit card on arrival:
- New York: MetroCard or contactless pay → MTA subway
- Los Angeles: TAP card → Metro Rail
- Atlanta: Breeze card → MARTA
- Dallas: GoPass → DART
- Seattle: Orca card → Link Light Rail
In Canada
- Vancouver: Compass card → SkyTrain to BC Place
- Toronto: Presto card → TTC to BMO Field
In Mexico
- Mexico City: Transit card → Metro to Azteca (Line 2 to Tasqueña, then tram)
- Monterrey: Metro to Estadio BBVA area
- Guadalajara: TIB Línea 1 to Estadio Akron area
Currency and Payments
- USA: USD. Cards accepted everywhere. ATMs widespread. Have $20 cash for small vendors at stadium areas.
- Canada: CAD. Very similar to USA. Cards dominant.
- Mexico: MXN (Mexican Peso). More cash-dependent than USA/Canada. ATMs in airports and major streets are reliable; avoid ATMs inside shops or restaurants. Current exchange rate: approximately $1 USD = 17–18 MXN (rates fluctuate).
Language
- USA and Canada: English dominant. Canada is officially bilingual (English/French) but tournament cities are English-primary.
- Mexico: Spanish. In tourist and stadium areas, English is widely spoken, but basic Spanish phrases will be warmly received.
Download Google Translate's offline Spanish and French packs before travelling.
Safety Tips
All 16 host cities are major metropolitan areas with normal urban safety considerations. General advice:
- Keep your match ticket and ID (passport) in a secure inside pocket
- Be aware of your surroundings in busy fan zones — pickpockets target crowded public events
- Mexico City specific: Stay in tourist-friendly neighbourhoods (Polanco, Roma, Condesa, Centro Histórico). Standard urban caution applies.
- In all cities: arrange your transport home before the match ends, not after
What to Pack
- Documents: Passport + physical copy, ESTA/eTA approval confirmation, match tickets (printed and digital), travel insurance documents
- Tech: Universal power adapter (USA/Canada use Type A/B plugs; Mexico same), portable charger, offline maps downloaded
- Clothing: Light layers for evenings; sun protection for outdoor stadiums; comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot)
- Health: Travel insurance that covers medical. US healthcare is extremely expensive without it. Prescription medications labelled clearly.
For detailed guides to each host city's hotels, transport and tips, visit our 16 city pages.