The Ultimate Travel Guide For The 2026 World Cup
From Atlanta to Mexico City to Vancouver, the world’s most dazzling soccer tournament spans 16 cities in three countries this summer. Here’s a game plan for where to stay, eat and get your kicks.
By Jennifer Kester and DeMarco Williams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is full of firsts. This summer’s edition of the quadrennial global soccer tournament is not only the first with 48 teams—up from 32—but also the first to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.
While the young United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is a longshot to win its first World Cup, perennial favorites, including Spain, France and Argentina, are once again looking to raise the trophy at the July 19 final in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Knowing that fans will crisscross around North America—projections estimate 1 to 6 million international visitors during the tournament—in support of their favorite countries, Forbes Travel Guide has the perfect game plan to navigate the 16 host cities.
Atlanta
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Where to Stay: Atlanta’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, The St. Regis Atlanta is in the heart of Buckhead, about 20 minutes north of the World Cup stadium and all the pitch pandemonium. Beyond the tranquility, the property also has the Five-Star Atlas Buckhead restaurant and the Four-Star St. Regis Atlanta Spa.
Where to Eat: Just a quick walk from the St. Regis is Nan Thai Buckhead, a warm, contemporary space with family pictures on the wall and fresh tom yum kung (shrimp and lemongrass soup) and three-flavored whole snapper at the table.
Just for Kicks: If FIFA Fan Fest crowds are too boisterous in Centennial Olympic Park, make the short walk for culture (the recently expanded National Center for Civil and Human Rights), Coke (World of Coca-Cola) or sea critters (Georgia Aquarium).
Key Matches: Spain vs. Cape Verde, June 15; Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, June 21; Morocco vs. Haiti, June 24; Uzbekistan vs. Playoff Winner, June 27; Round of 32 match, July 1; Round of 16 match, July 7; Semifinal, July 15.
Boston
Venue: Gillette Stadium
Where to Stay: XV Beacon would be a winning destination simply for its ideal positioning in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, but the hotel also has a World Cup at XV Beacon Experience package (including a signature suite stay, private transportation to the stadium, daily breakfast and more).
Where to Eat: As the name suggests, XV Beacon’s Mooo caters to those who savor exquisitely seared beef cuts. But what sometimes goes unnoticed at the stylish steakhouse is that its seafood and sides never miss, either.
Just for Kicks: The Boston Dragon Boat Festival is the oldest of its kind and runs during the World Cup. This June 14 event on the Charles River promises a day of race fun, food and cultural festivities for the whole family.
Key Matches: Haiti vs. Scotland, June 13; Playoff Winner vs. Norway, June 16; Scotland vs. Morocco, June 19; England vs. Ghana, June 23; Norway vs. France, June 26; Round of 32 match, June 29; Quarterfinal, July 9.
Dallas
Venue: AT&T Stadium
Where to Stay: If you think Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal’s ball control is a work of art, just wait until you see what’s on display at JW Marriott Dallas Arts District. With custom pieces from regional artists proudly hanging and a rooftop pool deck that perfectly frames the downtown skyline, every turn here feels like a gallery stroll.
Where to Eat: Working with a pasture-to-plate ethos, the hotel’s JW Steakhouse is an all-day eatery that prides itself on serving locally rooted greens and strip loins from North Texas ranchers.
Just for Kicks: Celebrate the craftsmanship and beauty of Japan’s metal artists with “Samurai to the Imperial Court: Japanese Metalwork,” a spectacular collection of armor, sculptures and more showing at the Dallas Museum of Art through September 6.
Key Matches: Netherlands vs. Japan, June 14; England vs. Croatia, June 17; Argentina vs. Austria, June 22; Japan vs. Playoff Winner, June 25; Jordan vs. Argentina, June 27; Round of 32 match, June 30; Round of 32 match, July 3; Round of 16 match, July 6; Semifinal, July 14.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Venue: Estadio Akron
Where to Stay: Though the hotel arrangements of national soccer teams are closely guarded, it’s likely that one or more squads playing in Western Mexico chose Grand Fiesta Americana Guadalajara Country Club, with its simple, cosmopolitan aesthetic and 18th-floor spa, as their home away from home.
Where to Eat: While the beef sliders and salads never disappoint at Grand Fiesta Americana Guadalajara Country Club’s Bargüero, the pub’s steady crowds can also be attributed to a menu loaded with colorful cocktails.
Just for Kicks: Join in serenading with locals at Guadalajara Arena on June 13 for a brass-heavy show with Banda MS, one of the most beloved bands in Mexican regional music.
Key Matches: South Korea vs. Playoff winner, June 11; Mexico vs. South Korea, June 18; Colombia vs. Playoff winner, June 23; Uruguay vs. Spain, June 26.
Houston
Venue: NRG Stadium
Where to Stay: Just a 15-minute drive from NRG stadium, Five-Star Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston is an incredible stay with Texas’ only Five-Star spa, nine dining options and 250 amenity-filled rooms and suites.
Where to Eat: Arguably the best dining option at the famed Galleria (just a seven-minute trip from Post Oak) is Musaafer. This authentic Indian restaurant wows with vibrant décor, astute servers and unforgettable dishes like Mithu’s coriander shrimp and the slow-cooked dum ki ribs.
Just for Kicks: Queen’s “We Will Rock You” has been a stadium staple for decades. Hear it and other classic tunes from the Freddie Mercury-led band when the Houston Symphony and vocalist MiG Ayesa perform at the Hobby Center stage on June 19 and 20.
Key Matches: Germany vs. Curaçao; June 14; Portugal vs. Playoff Winner, June 17; Netherlands vs. Playoff Winner, June 20; Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, June 23; Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, June 26; Round of 32 match, June 29; Round of 16 match, July 4.
Kansas City
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium
Where to Stay: Escape the frenzy of Arrowhead Stadium at The Raphael Hotel, which is a mere seven miles away. The historic boutique hotel provides 126 elegant rooms, nightly live jazz at Chaz Restaurant & Lounge and shopping and dining at nearby Country Club Plaza.
Where to Eat: No visit is complete without sampling Kansas City’s world-famous barbecue. Savor traditional favorites like Joe’s (the brisket Z-Man sandwich is a must) or original spots like Buck Tui, a barbecue/Thai hybrid.
Just for Kicks: Pop into the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial and Rock Island Bridge, an entertainment district perched over the Kansas River opening April 1.
Key Matches: Argentina vs. Algeria, June 16; Ecuador vs. Curacao, June 20; Tunisia vs. Netherlands, June 25; Algeria vs. Austria, June 27; Round of 32 match, July 3; Quarterfinal, July 11.
Los Angeles
Venue: SoFi Stadium
Where to Stay: Life revolves around the water at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. From the Four-Star retreat, bike the 22-mile Strand beach path, which leads to Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach to the south, and Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier to the north. Or go stand-up paddleboarding, venture out on a private sail or swim in L.A.’s only waterfront saltwater pool.
Where to Eat: Head to nearby Santa Monica for fresh Mediterranean plates at Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s buzzy rooftop Calabra restaurant or Italian chophouse specialties at The Georgian’s Georgian Room with its glamorous Old Hollywood ambiance.
Just for Kicks: Tour other local sporting institutions like Dodger Stadium or the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, or get your adrenaline pumping at the Porsche Experience Center. Or simply soak up that Southern California sunshine with an outing to Griffith Park, whose 4,210 acres feature hiking, golf and the famed observatory with panoramic views of the city.
Key Matches: USA vs. Paraguay, June 12; IR Iran vs. New Zealand, June 15; Switzerland vs. TBD, June 18; Belgium vs. IR Iran, June 21; TBD vs. USA, June 25; Round of 32 match, June 28; Round of 32 match, July 2; Quarterfinal, July 10.
Mexico City
Venue: Estadio Azteca
Where to Stay: Travelers who enjoy design-centered hotels should check into the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Las Alcobas. The sleek Four-Star hotel has just 35 rooms, fine-dining restaurant Anatol and a prime location in upscale Polanco, about 30 minutes away from Estadio Azteca.
Where to Eat: Sample the city’s famed food scene at Fónico, which showcases design throughout the dark, four-story restaurant and in its modern Mexican cuisine.
Just for Kicks: Mexico City is filled with remarkable museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology and the Templo Mayor Museum.
Key Matches: Mexico vs. South Africa, June 11; Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, June 17; Round of 32 match, June 30; Round of 16 match, July 5.
Miami
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
Where to Stay: Five-Star Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach draws guests with sand, sophisticated accommodations and oceanfront lounge seating. For the World Cup, the hotel has a fan-friendly package that includes daily breakfast for two, a round-trip airport transfer and more.
Where to Eat: Like its beloved Manhattan counterpart, the Four-Star Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort executes its Northern Italian cuisine with precision—tuxedoed waiters serve perfectly breaded chicken parm in a newly renovated dining room.
Just for Kicks: Miami’s Caribbean community is a strong, vibrant world that’s annually celebrated with Caribbean Heritage Month. Join in on the revelry in June with festivals, culinary events and music performances all around the city.
Key Matches: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, June 15; Uruguay vs. Cape Verde, June 21; Scotland vs. Brazil, June 24; Colombia vs. Portugal, June 27; Round of 32 match, July 3; Quarterfinal, July 11; Bronze final, July 18.
Monterrey, Mexico
Venue: Estadio BBVA
Where to Stay: Framed by the dramatic Sierra Madre Mountains, the 70-room Live Aqua Urban Resort Monterrey prioritizes guest vitality. The Wellness Suite specially calibrates air purification and cellular regeneration technology to improve sleep, and it offers a health-conscious minibar and aromatherapy.
Where to Eat: Monterrey is known for its meat, especially cabrito, or barbecued baby goat. Try the local specialty at popular spots like El Rey del Cabrito. Koli gives the dish a fine-dining spin on its tasting menu.
Just for Kicks: The 1.5-mile Santa Lucia Riverwalk connects to attractions like Fundidora, a steel-foundry-turned-park that also contains science and technology museum Horno 3 and the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame. And those who are feeling adventurous should be sure to bike, hike or rappel Monterrey’s famous mountains, including Chipinque Ecological Park or La Huasteca Park.
Key Matches: Tunisia vs. Japan, June 20; South Africa vs. Korea Republic, June 24; Round of 32 match, June 29.
New York/New Jersey
Venue: MetLife Stadium
Where to Stay: Along the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, the lively W Hoboken delivers Manhattan views and easy access to MetLife Stadium, which is hosting the World Cup Final.
Where to Eat: Dining options are practically endless in New York City. Five-Star Gabriel Kreuther brings Alsace to Midtown Manhattan. Also in Midtown, Four-Star Caviar Russe serves roe-sprinkled tasting menus with other decadent ingredients, and Waldorf Astoria’s Yoshoku injects Japanese flavors into haute Western cuisine.
Just for Kicks: Take a walk in Central Park, visit the American Museum of Natural History’s “For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence” exhibit (opening May 15), or try another sport and catch a baseball game at CitiField in Queens or Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Key Matches: Brazil vs. Morocco, June 13; France vs. Senegal, June 16; Norway vs. Senegal, June 22; Ecuador vs. Germany, June 25; Panama vs. England, June 27; Round of 32 match, June 30; Round of 16 match, July 5; Final, July 19.
Philadelphia
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
Where to Stay: There’s no better place to see the city than from its tallest skyscraper, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. Sitting atop the 60-story tower, the hotel provides breathtaking vistas everywhere from its 57th-floor infinity pool to the top-floor lobby.
Where to Eat: The Four Seasons boasts the city’s only Five-Star restaurant, Jean-Georges Philadelphia, from legendary French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. For a more casual meal, walk to nearby Reading Terminal Market for DiNic’s roast pork sandwich.
Just for Kicks: As the site of the FIFA Fan Festival, Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park will be a popular gathering spot, with game-day viewing parties and concerts on other days. Plus, the 2,050-acre park includes hiking trails, a zoo and the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s famed “Rocky steps.” And given America’s 250th birthday celebrations will also be in full swing during the World Cup, take time to visit some historical sites, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Key Matches: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador, June 14; Brazil vs. Haiti, June 19; Curacao vs. Côte d’Ivoire, June 25; Croatia vs. Ghana, June 27; Round of 16 match, July 4.
San Francisco Bay Area
Venue: Levi’s Stadium
Where to Stay: Twelve miles from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto provides a luxurious home base close to the action. Post-match, savor traditional Italian fare at Quattro, de-stress with a massage at the spa or cool off in the sun-drenched outdoor pool.
Where to Eat: Head to the Presidio for a meal at Dalida. Within the national park, the restaurant focuses on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, like Aleppo chicken and 12-hour lamb shoulder tandoor. For a celebratory drink, try a few stops along the new 23-bar San Francisco Martini Trail.
Just for Kicks: Immerse yourself in California’s spectacular landscape with side trips to Santa Cruz for surfing along its 29 miles of beach, hiking amid the redwoods or head north to San Francisco to experience green spaces like Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.
Key Matches: Qatar vs. Switzerland, June 13; Austria vs. Jordan, June 16; Jordan vs. Algeria, June 22; Paraguay vs. Australia, June 25; Round of 32 match, July 1.
Seattle
Venue: Lumen Field
Where to Stay: Of all the amenities at the Philippe Starck-designed Lotte Hotel Seattle, the one most enticing to soccer fans this summer may be its partnership with Lexus. On match days, guests can take a stylish house car to Lumen Field while off days can be used exploring the city through the Lexus Driving Experience.
Where to Eat: On Lotte Hotel’s 16th floor, Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge has breathtaking views of Elliott Bay. And thanks to a kitchen focused on showcasing the best of the Pacific Northwest bounty, dinner is worthy of the view.
Just for Kicks: Bask in the wondrous world of glass artist Dale Chihuly with a visit to Chihuly Garden & Glass. Sitting in the shadow of the Space Needle, this indoor-outdoor attraction features eight galleries of vivid work, including three pieces that debuted this month.
Key Matches: Belgium vs. Egypt, June 15; USA vs. Australia, June 19; Egypt vs. Iran, June 26; Round of 32 match, July 1; Round of 16 match, July 6.
Toronto
Venue: BMO Field
Where to Stay: The first 1 Hotel in Canada, 1 Hotel Toronto considers Mother Nature with everything it does: public and private spaces are filled with more than 3,300 plants; 1 Kitchen Toronto is a zero-waste operation; and for anyone concerned about their carbon footprint on game day, the property is a 30-minute walk from BMO Field.
Where to Eat: Sustainably sourced 1 Kitchen Toronto literally shines with its glass-walled, conservatory-like design and metaphorically shimmers with a brunch and dinner roster starring local charcuterie, lemongrass chicken and libations containing cold-pressed juices.
Just for Kicks: Commemorating its 20th year in 2026, the Luminato Festival (June 3 to 28) promises to be the biggest installment yet of the annual Toronto arts event, including Penn & Teller performing magic and the haunting 10 Days in a Madhouse opera production already announced.
Key Matches: Canada vs. Playoff winner, June 12; Ghana vs. Panama, June 17; Germany vs. Ivory Coast, June 20; Panama vs. Croatia, June 23; Senegal vs. Playoff winner, June 26; Round of 32 match, July 2.
Vancouver
Venue: BC Place
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver’s location is unmatched—the hotel is adjacent to BC Place. And as part of the Parq Vancouver entertainment complex, it also has access to a two-floor casino—the only one in the city—and a “wellness floor” with a Four-Star spa and an open-air lounge featuring a hydrotherapy tub.
Where to Eat: Among the eight restaurants and bars within the Parq Vancouver complex, try seasonal bistro fare at Honey Salt, a Las Vegas import, and steakhouse cuisine at The Victor.
Just for Kicks: Vancouver is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Walk or pedal along the 17-mile seawall in Stanley Park, cross the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge surrounded by the coastal Douglas fir treetops, or go whale watching (operator Prince of Whales guarantees sightings).
Key Matches: Canada vs. Qatar, June 18; New Zealand vs. Egypt, June 21; Switzerland vs. Canada, June 24; New Zealand vs. Belgium, June 26; Round of 32 match, July 2; Round of 16 match, July 7.