Visiting the Host Cities of the 2026 Football World Cup

By Richard Jones

Three years from now, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be reaching its closing stages in North America, and each of the USA’s 11 host cities are expecting a boost in visitor numbers to tie in with the tournament.

If you are experiencing sporting wanderlust and fancy visiting one of the host cities before, during or after the football extravaganza, here is our guide.

Fenway Park, Boston

Boston, Massachusetts

‘Beantown’ combines heritage with innovation, with cobblestone streets connecting new high-tech designs and centuries-old colonial buildings.
Where to watch the game
The 70,000 Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, about halfway between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.
Where to eat
Stop by the inspiration for TV show Cheers on Beacon Hill. The pub, formerly called The Bull & Finch, has a buzzing atmosphere and serves up delicious cheeseburgers.
Off the pitch
Take in a 360-degree view of the Boston skyline and waterfront from 50 stories high at the Skywalk Observatory.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The first World Heritage City in the USA is also home to the nation’s most historic sites and has an abundance of cultural offerings.
Where to watch the game
The Lincoln Financial Stadium, simply as ‘The Linc’ is located in the south of Philadelphia.
Where to eat
Although Philadelphia may be famed for its cheesesteak, true foodies know that the roast pork sandwich is the real deal. Check out DiNic’s.
Off the pitch
Home to some of the nation’s most beloved historical sites, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia is the perfect place to indulge in American history.

The Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Miami, Florida

From endless sunshine, pristine beaches and top-rated attractions to art-deco hotels and a thriving arts and culture scene, Miami has it all.
Where to watch the game
As six-time Super Bowl hosts, the Hard Rock Stadium is also the proud home of the Miami Dolphins.
Where to eat
Little Havana is the centre of Miami’s vibrant Cuban community. You’ll find food trucks and late-night salsa clubs like Ball & Chain.
Off the pitch
Discover the heritage of the Caribbean in Little Haiti, or the city’s Bahamian foundations in West Coconut Grove.

Kansas City, Missouri

Known for jazz, barbecue and fountains, Kansas City is a creative community that prides itself on good times and friendly people.
Where to watch the game
Arrowhead Stadium has been an iconic and popular stadium in Kansas City for over five decades.
Where to eat
The Barbecue Capital of the World is home to legends like Gates and Bryant’s and local favourites such as Scott’s Kitchen.
Off the pitch
Kansas City gave jazz its swing. This rich heritage can be heard at The Phoenix and The Blue Room.

Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia

The gateway to the South, Atlanta exudes charm and hospitality, with the urban oasis ready and waiting to welcome visitors.
Where to watch the game
The Falcons’ newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium is in downtown Atlanta.
Where to eat
In the Westside Provisions District, you’ll find a former meat packing district filled with upscale restaurants like Bacchanalia.
Off the pitch
The Atlanta movie tour showcases filming sites for The Walking Dead, and the Marvel and Hunger Games franchises.

Houston, Texas

This stylish ‘Space City’ is overflowing with culture-filled neighbourhoods and galleries.
Where to watch the game
The Texans’ multi-purpose NRG Stadium is easily accessible to its neighbour Mexico City.
Where to eat
Houston has more than 10,000 restaurants, making it a foodie mecca. Try Oxheart to sample Texan ingredients like wild boar and persimmon sorbet.
Off the pitch
Shakespeare’s Pub is your go-to spot for blues every night of the week, with cheap but tasty beer and no cover charge.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas

The Big D is home to the Dallas Cowboys, margaritas and provides the perfect Lone Star State experience.
Where to watch the game
The AT&T Stadium is a 20-minute drive west of Dallas and boasts one of the largest HD screens in the world.
Where to eat
For those craving classic Southern comfort food, be sure to check out Bubba’s in Frisco and sample the best fried chicken in town.
Off the pitch
Home to the largest contiguous urban arts district in the States, Dallas has Picassos, Beethoven performances and the works of Rodin.

Seattle, Washington State

With a thriving food-and-drink scene and a stunning coastal setting, Seattle is a dynamic enclave nestled in the Pacific Northwest.
Where to watch the game
Located in Seattle’s SoDo neighbourhood, the Lumen Field is home to the NFL’s Seahawks.
Where to eat
Seattle has one of the greatest concentrations of coffee houses of any US city, and visitors can tour Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Off the pitch
Paddle, boat, sail and fish on welcoming waters or take a whale watching tour along the Pacific coastline.

San Francisco skyline
image: San Francisco Travel Association

San Francisco, California

The Golden City is culturally diverse and rich in its offerings of art, music, cuisine and sports.
Where to watch the game
The 49ers’ snazzy Levi’s Stadium is located just outside the Bay Area in Santa Clara.
Where to eat
The Bay Area is home to the greatest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants in the States, including the coveted Atelier Crenn, Benu and Quice.
Off the pitch
Art lovers should explore the vibrant murals in Mission District, while food-fanatics will be spoilt for choice in the iconic Chinatown.

Los Angeles, California

The entertainment capital of the world, the ‘City of Angels’ is famous for its glitz and glamour.
Where to watch the game
SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California, opened in September 2020.
Where to eat
Korean and Californian culture is as intertwined as its cuisine. Sample the marinated short rib and the pork bulgogi at Quarters Korean BBQ.
Off the pitch
Explore the newly opened Academy Award Museum, located on the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax.

The Statue of Liberty, New York

New York City, New York

A showstopping finale requires a fitting setting and where else than the ‘City That Never Sleeps’.
Where to watch the game
The MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host the World Cup final, has a capacity of over 85,000.
Where to eat
In central Rutherford, Café Matisse is considered an institution for fine dining, or head to Matera’s on Park for an old-school Italian market vibe.
Off the pitch
First-timers will probably want to squeeze in a couple of the legendary sights, while those more familiar with the city could venture into Queens or Brooklyn.

To discover more about holidays in the United States, go to: visittheusa.co.uk
Flights to US cities Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa and Washington DC from the UK are available with Virgin Atlantic. See virginatlantic.com
All images: Visit the USA (unless otherwise credited)