The 2026 FIFA World Cup is happening right now, and it's the biggest one yet. Three countries, 16 cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches spread across North America from June 11 all the way to July 19. Whether you've got tickets in hand or you're still figuring out where to go, you're in the right place.
This guide covers the full World Cup 2026 schedule, the group stage draw, and our picks for the best host cities to visit, so you can plan your trip around the football and still make the most of every city you land in.
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World Cup 2026 Groups: The Draw Results
The final draw was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. All 48 teams landed in 12 groups of four, labeled A through L. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-place finishers, advance to the Round of 32.
Here are some of the confirmed groups:
Group | Teams |
|---|---|
A | Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia |
B | Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland |
D | United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey |
G | Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand |
H | Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay |
K | Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia |
For live results and the full picture across all 12 groups, head to the official FIFA match schedule.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
Here's the full breakdown of the World Cup 2026 schedule, from the group stage through to the Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey:
Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
Group Stage | June 11 – June 27 |
Round of 32 | June 28 – July 3 |
Round of 16 | July 4 – July 7 |
Quarterfinals | July 9 – July 11 |
Semifinals | July 14 – July 15 |
Third Place Match | July 18 |
Final | July 19, MetLife Stadium, NJ |
Opening Match: Mexico vs. South Africa, June 11, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Final: July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York metro area).
The knockout rounds are where it gets really exciting. If you missed the group stage, there's still plenty of time to plan a trip for the Round of 16 onward.
World Cup 2026 Host Cities: The Full List
The 16 host cities are spread across three countries, so there are a lot of options no matter where in the US you're flying from.
United States (11 cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
Mexico (3 cities): Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
Canada (2 cities): Toronto, Vancouver
City | Country | Stadium | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|
New York / New Jersey | USA | MetLife Stadium | Hosts the Final |
Mexico City | Mexico | Estadio Azteca | Opening Match |
Los Angeles | USA | SoFi Stadium | Multiple group + knockout matches |
Miami | USA | Hard Rock Stadium | Group stage matches |
Dallas | USA | AT&T Stadium | Group stage matches |
Boston | USA | Gillette Stadium | Group stage matches |
Atlanta | USA | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Group stage matches |
Philadelphia | USA | Lincoln Financial Field | Group stage matches |
Houston | USA | NRG Stadium | Group stage matches |
Seattle | USA | Lumen Field | Group stage matches |
San Francisco Bay Area | USA | Levi's Stadium | Group stage matches |
Kansas City | USA | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium | Group stage matches |
Toronto | Canada | BMO Field | Group stage matches |
Vancouver | Canada | BC Place | Group stage matches |
Guadalajara | Mexico | Estadio Akron | Group stage matches |
Monterrey | Mexico | Estadio BBVA | Group stage matches |
Best FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities to Visit
Some World Cup host cities are more than just match destinations. They offer iconic stadiums, standout attractions, and plenty of reasons to extend your trip beyond game day. If you're planning to follow the action, these are the host cities worth adding to your itinerary for a memorable mix of football, sightseeing, food, and local culture.
New York / New Jersey: Home of the World Cup Final
Bright lights at Times Square | Photo Credits: James Ting from Unsplash
If you're going to one World Cup host city, make it New York. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford hosts the Final on July 19, making the New York metro area the most important stop of the entire tournament.
On your days off from the stadium, New York keeps you very busy: observation decks over the skyline, Central Park, the High Line, world-class museums, and honestly some of the best food you'll find anywhere on earth. Official fan zones are planned throughout the city too, so even without a match ticket, the atmosphere is electric.
Best for: Fans traveling for the Final, first-time visitors to the US and anyone who wants to squeeze in some serious sightseeing in between matches.
Los Angeles: Sunshine, Star Power, and the US Home Opener
Griffith Observatory with panoramic Los Angeles skyline and scenic city views
The US national team opened its tournament on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, and LA is already one of the most anticipated venues of the whole World Cup. It's also one of the easiest cities to fill a week in without even trying!
Hollywood, Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios, Disneyland. June and July in LA is about as perfect as the weather gets. You'll want at least three or four days here.
Best for: Families, beach lovers, first-time US visitors, anyone chasing the US team.
Miami: The Most Electric World Cup City in America
Every day is a beach day! Credits to aurora.kreativ on Unsplash
With one of the largest Latin American communities in the US and Hard Rock Stadium hosting group stage matches, Miami has been buzzing from day one. This is the host city with the most World Cup energy off the pitch!
South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Everglades airboat rides, and a nightlife scene that runs until sunrise.
Best for: Nightlife seekers, travelers who want beach and culture in one place.
Dallas: An Impressive Stadium in a City Worth Discovering
Image Credit: Anat Morad via Pexels
AT&T Stadium in Arlington is one of the most impressive venues in the entire tournament. It has a retractable roof, enormous capacity, and an atmosphere that genuinely delivers. If you care about the stadium experience itself, this is a top pick.
Off the pitch, Dallas is underrated as a travel city. The food scene spans everything from legendary Texas BBQ to some of the best Tex-Mex you'll find. Bishop Arts District is worth an afternoon.
Klook Tip: Dallas also sits in a central position that makes it easy to combine with Houston or other nearby stops.
Boston: Compact, Walkable, and Full of Character
Historic Old State House on the Freedom Trail
Gillette Stadium is about 30 miles south of Boston in Foxborough, so the city makes a great base for fans who want a proper urban experience between matches. Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the US, and its compact downtown means you can actually see a lot without burning out.
Best for: History lovers, walkers, East Coast fans looking for a budget-friendly base.
Seattle: The World Cup's Most Visually Stunning Stop
Don’t forget to check out the Space Needle when you’re in Seattle, Photo by Thom Milkovic on Unsplash
Lumen Field is one of the loudest stadiums in North America, and on match day the noise inside is something else entirely. The city around it is just as memorable. Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the surrounding mountains and water make Seattle the most visually striking of any US host city.
If you're already thinking about a Pacific Northwest road trip, building a World Cup match in Seattle into your itinerary is a no-brainer. It pairs well with Portland or a drive through the Cascades.
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, Pacific Northwest road trippers.
Mexico City: For A Rewarding Travel Experience
Image Credit: Oscar Dominguez via Pexels
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) hosted the Opening Match on June 11 and carries more World Cup history than almost any venue on earth. It previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, and that legacy is impossible to ignore when you're sitting inside it.
Mexico City itself is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the Western Hemisphere: Teotihuacan, the Frida Kahlo Museum, Chapultepec Park, and street tacos that will ruin every other taco for you going forward. It's a short flight from most major US cities, and prices are reasonable compared to the US host cities.
Best for: Culture seekers, soccer history fans, travelers looking for a World Cup experience that goes beyond the US itinerary.
Vancouver: Stunning Scenery, Easy to Love
BC Place hosts group stage matches for Team Canada (Group B), and Vancouver might be the most naturally beautiful city in the entire tournament. Ocean on one side, mountains on the other, Stanley Park in the middle.
Granville Island, Gastown, and Kitsilano are all easy to explore on foot. Whistler is about two hours away if you want to extend the trip.
Best for: Nature lovers, Canadian team supporters, travelers combining Vancouver with a Pacific Northwest adventure.
Toronto: Canada's Most Multicultural World Cup Stop
BMO Field hosted Canada's Group B opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12, and Toronto is bringing serious energy to its home matches. It's Canada's largest city and one of the most diverse cities in the world, which means the food scene here is genuinely exceptional.
CN Tower, the Distillery District, Kensington Market, and restaurants covering virtually every cuisine on earth. It's also an easy add-on if you're heading to Niagara Falls.
Best for: Food lovers, multi-day travelers, fans of Canada or European teams.
Practical Tips for World Cup 2026 Travel
- Book your accomodation early! The knockout rounds start June 28, and cities like New York, Miami, and LA will see hotel demand spike fast as the bracket tightens. The closer to the Final, the harder it gets.
- Think about a road trip on the East Coast. Boston, New York, and Philadelphia are all within two to three hours of each other by car or train, which makes a multi-city group stage itinerary very doable without needing multiple flights.
- Build in travel time so a match doesn't eat your whole day. MetLife Stadium (New York/East Rutherford), Gillette Stadium (Boston/Foxborough), and AT&T Stadium (Dallas/Arlington) are all located outside their city centers.
- Fan zones don't require tickets. Official fan zones are planned for New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City. They're free and open to everyone, so even if you don't have match tickets, you can still be part of the atmosphere.
FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start and end?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match is Mexico vs. South Africa in Mexico City; the Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How many cities are hosting the 2026 World Cup?
There are 16 host cities across three countries: 11 in the United States, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada.
Which city is hosting the World Cup 2026 Final?
The Final is at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. It's in the New York metropolitan area, about 10 miles west of Midtown Manhattan.
Where is the opening match of the 2026 World Cup?
The opening match (Mexico vs. South Africa) was played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams are competing across 12 groups of four. This is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, up from the previous format of 32.
Which city is the best to visit during the World Cup 2026?
New York/New Jersey is the top pick for the Final alone, but Los Angeles, Miami, and Mexico City offer the best mix of football atmosphere and things to do. The right choice depends on which teams you're following and what kind of trip you're after.
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