Photo by Vienna Reyes on Unsplash
The biggest World Cup in history begins on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City — and ends 39 days later, on July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In between: 104 matches, 16 cities, three countries, 48 nations, and the largest public sporting event ever staged. Knowing the schedule is the foundation of everything — which matches are being played in which city and when determines your travel itinerary, your hotel booking windows, your flight searches, and your ticket priorities. Getting from your airport to the right stadium on time — in an unfamiliar city, possibly in a foreign country, on a day when the transport network is carrying an extra 60,000–90,000 people — requires a different kind of planning than a regular trip. This guide is the single reference for both: the complete World Cup 2026 schedule by round, the full group stage fixture list for every host city, the USA national team's three group games and host venues, and a city-by-city airport-to-stadium transport guide for all 16 venues — with verified journey times, public transport options, and the cases where a pre-booked transfer is genuinely the better choice. All fixture data has been verified against FIFA's official schedule published after the December 2025 draw. Kick-off times are listed in local time where confirmed; always verify at FIFA.com for any updates. Once you have the dates you need, use our World Cup 2026 ticket sale dates guide and trip planning checklist to build the full plan.
World Cup 2026 is the first 48-team tournament — 16 more nations than any previous edition. The expanded format produces 104 matches (up from 64 at Qatar 2022), including a new Round of 32 that gives more teams a knockout-stage experience. The USA hosts 78 matches, including every quarter-final, both semi-finals, and the Final. Canada and Mexico each host 13 matches.
Source: FIFA.com / Wikipedia 2026 FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2026 Schedule: Key Dates by Round
The tournament runs across 39 days with six distinct phases. Understanding the match window for each round is essential for planning travel between host cities — group stage matches span three weeks and overlap, while knockout rounds concentrate volume into shorter windows.
Group Stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026
The group stage is the longest phase — 17 days of football across all 16 host cities. With 48 teams in 12 groups of 4, each team plays 3 group stage matches. Multiple matches run simultaneously every day throughout the group stage. This is the phase with the widest availability of match tickets and the most accessible price points for fans. Key confirmed group stage fixtures include: Opening match — Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, June 11; USA vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, June 12; Brazil vs. Morocco at MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ, June 13; Canada vs. UEFA Playoff A Winner at BMO Field, Toronto, June 12; and the 1,000th match in World Cup history — Tunisia vs. Japan at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, June 20.
- Phase window: June 11 – June 27
- Matches played: 72 group stage matches (6 per group × 12 groups)
- Cities active: all 16 host cities simultaneously
- Best ticket value: non-host-nation group stage matches — Category 3 from $80
- Schedule density: typically 3–5 matches per day across all venues
Round of 32: June 28 – July 3/4, 2026
The Round of 32 is a new addition to the World Cup format — introduced for 2026's expanded 48-team tournament. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to this stage. 16 matches are played over approximately 7 days, concentrated in USA and Mexico host cities. This is the phase where knockout drama begins and upset potential is highest.
- Phase window: approximately June 28 – July 3/4
- Matches played: 16
- Venues: primarily USA host cities with some Mexico fixtures
- Notable: first Round of 32 in World Cup history — a format element unique to 2026
Round of 16 Through to the Final: July 4–19, 2026
The knockout rounds beyond the Round of 32 concentrate entirely in USA host cities — all quarter-finals, semi-finals, the Third Place Play-off, and the Final are played in the United States. The four largest stadiums (MetLife, AT&T Stadium, SoFi Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium) host the highest-stakes matches.
- Round of 16: approximately July 4–7 — 8 matches across US host cities
- Quarter-finals: approximately July 9–11 — 4 matches across US host cities
- Semi-finals: July 14 (AT&T Stadium, Dallas) and July 15 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
- Third Place Play-off: July 18 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- The Final: July 19 — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Plan Around the Match Dates You Need — Then Build the Trip
The group stage runs simultaneously across all 16 cities — meaning your target match and its specific date determines which city you base yourself in. Once you have confirmed ticket dates, our World Cup 2026 trip planning checklist walks you through flights, accommodation, and the city-specific logistics for your venue.
World Cup 2026 Full Schedule by City: Complete Fixture Reference
Every World Cup 2026 match assigned to each of the 16 host cities, verified from the official FIFA schedule published after the December 2025 draw. Group stage fixtures show confirmed team pairings. Knockout stage entries show confirmed match numbers and progression rules. Kick-off times listed in local city time — verify at FIFA.com for the most current schedule.
| City & Stadium | Group Stage Fixtures | Knockout Rounds Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| MEXICO CITY — Estadio Azteca (cap. ~83,000) | Jun 11: Mexico vs. South Africa (GrpA — OPENING MATCH) | Jun 17: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (GrpK) | Jun 24: UEFA PO-D Winner vs. Mexico (GrpA) | R32: Jun 30 | R16: Jul 5 |
| GUADALAJARA — Estadio Akron (cap. ~48,000) | Jun 11: South Korea vs. UEFA PO-D Winner (GrpA) | Jun 18: Mexico vs. South Korea (GrpA) | Jun 23: Colombia vs. Intercont. PO1 Winner (GrpK) | Jun 26: Uruguay vs. Spain (GrpH) | Group stage only — no knockout fixtures |
| MONTERREY — Estadio BBVA (cap. ~53,500) | Jun 14: UEFA PO-B Winner vs. Tunisia (GrpF) | Jun 20: Tunisia vs. Japan (GrpF — 1,000th WC match) | Jun 24: South Africa vs. South Korea (GrpA) | R32: Jun 29 | QF: Jul 9 |
| LOS ANGELES — SoFi Stadium (cap. ~70,240) | Jun 12: USA vs. Paraguay (GrpD) | Jun 15: Iran vs. New Zealand (GrpG) | Jun 18: Switzerland vs. UEFA PO-A Winner (GrpB) | Jun 21: Belgium vs. Iran (GrpG) | Jun 25: UEFA PO-C Winner vs. USA (GrpD) | R32: Jun 28 | R32: Jul 2 | QF: Jul 10 |
| SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA — Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (cap. ~71,000) | Jun 13: Qatar vs. Switzerland (GrpB) | Jun 19: UEFA PO-C Winner vs. Paraguay (GrpD) | Jun 23: Jordan vs. Algeria (GrpJ) | Jun 25: Paraguay vs. Australia (GrpD) | R32: Jul 1 | R16: Jul 5 |
| SEATTLE — Lumen Field (cap. ~68,740) | Jun 15: Belgium vs. Egypt (GrpG) | Jun 19: USA vs. Australia (GrpD) | Jun 24: UEFA PO-A Winner vs. Qatar (GrpB) | Jun 27: Egypt vs. Iran (GrpG) | R32: Jul 1 |
| DALLAS — AT&T Stadium, Arlington (cap. 94,000) | Jun 14: Netherlands vs. Japan (GrpF) | Jun 17: England vs. Croatia (GrpL) | Jun 22: Argentina vs. Austria (GrpJ) | Jun 25: Japan vs. UEFA PO-B Winner (GrpF) | Jun 27: Jordan vs. Argentina (GrpJ) | R32: Jun 30 | R32: Jul 3 | R16: Jul 6 | SF: Jul 14 |
| HOUSTON — NRG Stadium (cap. ~72,000) | Jun 14: Germany vs. Curaçao (GrpE) | Jun 17: Portugal vs. Intercont. PO1 Winner (GrpK) | Jun 20: Netherlands vs. UEFA PO-B Winner (GrpF) | Jun 23: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (GrpK) | Jun 26: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (GrpH) | R32: Jun 29 | R16: Jul 4 |
| KANSAS CITY — GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (cap. 76,640) | Jun 16: Argentina vs. Algeria (GrpJ) | Jun 20: Ecuador vs. Curaçao (GrpE) | Jun 25: Tunisia vs. Netherlands (GrpF) | Jun 27: Algeria vs. Austria (GrpJ) | R32: Jul 3 | QF: Jul 11 |
| ATLANTA — Mercedes-Benz Stadium (cap. ~75,000) | Jun 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde (GrpH) | Jun 18: UEFA PO-D Winner vs. South Africa (GrpA) | Jun 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (GrpH) | Jun 24: Morocco vs. Haiti (GrpC) | Jun 27: Intercont. PO1 Winner vs. Uzbekistan (GrpK) | R32: Jul 1 | R16: Jul 7 | SF: Jul 15 |
| MIAMI — Hard Rock Stadium (cap. 67,518) | Jun 15: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay (GrpH) | Jun 21: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde (GrpH) | Jun 24: Scotland vs. Brazil (GrpC) | Jun 27: Colombia vs. Portugal (GrpK) | R32: Jul 3 | QF: Jul 11 | 3rd Place: Jul 18 |
| PHILADELPHIA — Lincoln Financial Field (cap. ~69,000) | Jun 14: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador (GrpE) | Jun 19: Brazil vs. Haiti (GrpC) | Jun 23: France vs. Intercont. PO2 Winner (GrpI) | Jun 25: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast (GrpE) | Jun 27: Croatia vs. Ghana (GrpL) | R16: Jul 7 |
| BOSTON — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (cap. 70,000) | Jun 13: Haiti vs. Scotland (GrpC) | Jun 16: Intercont. PO2 Winner vs. Norway (GrpI) | Jun 19: Scotland vs. Morocco (GrpC) | Jun 23: England vs. Ghana (GrpL) | Jun 26: Norway vs. France (GrpI) | R32: Jun 29 | QF: Jul 9 |
| NEW YORK/NJ — MetLife Stadium (cap. 82,500) | Jun 13: Brazil vs. Morocco (GrpC) | Jun 16: France vs. Senegal (GrpI) | Jun 23: Norway vs. Senegal (GrpI) | Jun 25: Ecuador vs. Germany (GrpE) | Jun 27: Panama vs. England (GrpL) | R32: Jun 30 | R16: Jul 5 | FINAL: Jul 19 |
| TORONTO — BMO Field (cap. ~45,500) | Jun 12: Canada vs. UEFA PO-A Winner (GrpB) | Jun 17: Ghana vs. Panama (GrpL) | Jun 20: Germany vs. Ivory Coast (GrpE) | Jun 23: Panama vs. Croatia (GrpL) | Jun 27: Senegal vs. Intercont. PO2 Winner (GrpI) | R32: Jul 2 |
| VANCOUVER — BC Place (cap. ~54,500) | Jun 13: Australia vs. UEFA PO-C Winner (GrpD) | Jun 18: Canada vs. Qatar (GrpB) | Jun 21: New Zealand vs. Egypt (GrpG) | Jun 24: Switzerland vs. Canada (GrpB) | Jun 26: New Zealand vs. Belgium (GrpG) | R32: Jul 2 |
Photo by Emilio Garcia on Unsplash
USA Group Games Schedule 2026: City by City
The United States national team plays all three group stage matches in the western region — both the opening and closing group matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with their second match at Lumen Field in Seattle. For USMNT fans planning a full group stage trip, this creates a natural two-city itinerary anchored in the Pacific timezone.
USA Match 1: USA vs. Paraguay — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (June 12)
The United States open their World Cup 2026 campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles. SoFi Stadium's 70,240 capacity will be overwhelmingly American-majority. SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, approximately 3.6 miles from LAX. The Metro C Line (Crenshaw Line) connects LAX directly to the stadium — one of the best airport-to-stadium transit connections of any World Cup 2026 venue. From downtown Los Angeles, the Metro K Line and C Line routes both serve the area. Allow 45–60 minutes for the transit journey from downtown LA.
- Date: June 12, 2026 (kick-off time: confirm at FIFA.com — approximately 9pm ET / 6pm PT based on published schedule)
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Stadium capacity: 70,240
- Airport: LAX — 3.6 miles from stadium
- Best transport: Metro C Line from Aviation/LAX station — approximately 15–20 minutes
- Ticket note: host-nation group stage matches carry higher base prices — Category 1 $310, Category 2 $210, Category 3 $130
USA Match 2: USA vs. Australia — Lumen Field, Seattle (June 19)
The USA's second group game takes them to Lumen Field in Seattle — home of the Seattle Sounders FC and one of the loudest outdoor stadiums in the world. Seattle and Los Angeles are a 2.5-hour domestic flight apart — well-served by Alaska Airlines and Southwest routes. Lumen Field has the easiest airport transit of any World Cup 2026 venue: the Link Light Rail 1 Line from Sea-Tac Airport drops you directly at Stadium Station in 35–40 minutes for $3.50. See our full World Cup 2026 Seattle fan guide for everything about a Seattle World Cup trip.
- Date: June 19, 2026 (approximately 3pm ET / 12pm PT local — confirm at FIFA.com)
- Stadium: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
- Stadium capacity: 68,740
- Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) — 14 miles
- Best transport: Link Light Rail 1 Line — direct to Stadium Station, 35–40 min, ~$3.50
- LA to Seattle: 2.5-hour domestic flight; check Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Delta for routes between matches
USA Match 3: UEFA Playoff C Winner vs. USA — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (June 25)
The USA's final group stage match returns to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. By this fixture, the USA will know exactly what they need from the result to progress. The opponent — the winner of UEFA Playoff C (contested between Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, and Romania) — will be confirmed during the tournament's early stages. For fans attending both LA matches (June 12 and June 25), the logical multi-match itinerary is LA → Seattle for June 19 → back to LA for June 25, giving you the USA's full group stage run across two outstanding cities.
- Date: June 25, 2026 (approximately 10pm ET / 7pm PT local — confirm at FIFA.com)
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Opponent: UEFA Playoff C Winner (Slovakia / Kosovo / Türkiye / Romania)
- Transport: same as USA Match 1 — Metro C Line from LAX, 15–20 min
- Multi-match note: 13 days between USA Match 1 and Match 3 — the Seattle trip fits naturally in the gap
Other Nations' Group Stage Games in USA Cities
Beyond USMNT matches, the USA hosts spectacular group stage fixtures across its 11 cities: England vs. Croatia in Dallas on June 17 (AT&T Stadium), Brazil vs. Morocco in New York on June 13 (MetLife Stadium), Argentina vs. Austria in Dallas on June 22, France vs. Senegal in New York on June 16, and Scotland vs. Brazil in Miami on June 24. The full city-by-city table above covers every fixture.
Schedule Confirmed — Get Your Tickets and Hotel Sorted
FIFA's ticketing platform is the only official source for World Cup 2026 tickets. Now that you know which matches and cities fit your schedule, secure your seats before remaining inventory clears — then book hotel with free cancellation so you can adjust if anything changes.
See the Full World Cup 2026 Ticket Guide →How to Get from Airport to Stadium: USA East Coast and South
Five World Cup 2026 host cities sit in the Eastern and Southeastern USA — from Boston down to Miami. Each has a distinct transport situation: two have excellent public transit links directly to the stadium, two require a car or pre-booked transfer, and one sits in a different city to its airport.
New York/New Jersey — MetLife Stadium (Host: Final Jul 19, R32, R16, 5 group matches)
MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey — not in New York City proper. The key for match-day travel is New Jersey Transit, not New York's subway system. On event days, the dedicated Meadowlands Rail Line shuttle operates from Secaucus Junction directly to the MetLife Stadium station — this is the most reliable match-day transit option. From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): take the AirTrain to Newark Airport station, board NJ Transit toward New York Penn Station, transfer at Secaucus Junction to the Meadowlands Rail Line event shuttle — total approximately 35–45 minutes. EWR is the strongly recommended airport for MetLife matches. From JFK Airport: take the AirTrain to Jamaica, LIRR or E train to Penn Station, transfer to Secaucus Junction, then Meadowlands shuttle — allow 75–90 minutes total. From LaGuardia: no direct rail; take bus to subway to Penn Station or Secaucus — allow 75–90 minutes. A pre-booked transfer from LaGuardia is often faster on match day.
- Primary airport: Newark (EWR) — ~5 miles from MetLife Stadium — strongly recommended
- Best option: NJ Transit from EWR → Secaucus Junction → Meadowlands Rail Line event shuttle to MetLife
- Journey time from EWR: ~35–45 minutes total
- From JFK: ~75–90 minutes via AirTrain + LIRR/subway + Penn Station + Secaucus Junction + Meadowlands
- Do NOT rely on standard taxi or Uber from New York City — the Lincoln Tunnel and Route 3 are severely congested on match days
- Post-match: Meadowlands Rail Line runs return shuttles immediately after final whistle — board quickly to avoid the wait
Atlanta — Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Host: Semi-final Jul 15, R32, R16, 5 group matches)
Atlanta has one of the best airport-to-stadium transit connections in the entire World Cup 2026 — a direct MARTA train that takes approximately 30 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to the stadium district. From Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL): take the MARTA Gold Line or Red Line from the Airport station directly to GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City station, then walk approximately 8–10 minutes to Mercedes-Benz Stadium's gates. Total journey: approximately 30–40 minutes. MARTA fare is approximately $2.50. Do not drive to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on match day — downtown Atlanta parking is limited and expensive, and the MARTA route is faster than any road option under match-day congestion.
- Primary airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) — ~10 miles from stadium
- Best option: MARTA Red or Gold Line from Airport station to GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City — direct, no transfer
- Journey time: ~30–40 minutes
- Fare: approximately $2.50 each way via MARTA Breeze card
- Walk from Vine City station to Mercedes-Benz Stadium: approximately 8 minutes
- Stadium proximity note: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also within walking distance of downtown hotel clusters
Boston — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Host: QF Jul 9, R32, 5 group matches)
This is the most logistically awkward venue of any USA host city. Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, Massachusetts — approximately 28 miles south of downtown Boston and Logan Airport. There is no direct light rail or subway service from Boston to Gillette Stadium. For World Cup 2026, the most practical public transit option is the MBTA Commuter Rail Franklin/Providence line to Route 128 Station (Dedham), with a dedicated event shuttle to Gillette — confirm this service is operating for World Cup 2026 at mbta.com before relying on it. A private transfer from Logan Airport takes approximately 40–60 minutes in normal traffic and 60–90 minutes on match day.
- Primary airport: Logan International (BOS) — ~28 miles from Gillette Stadium
- Best option: MBTA Commuter Rail to Route 128 (Dedham) + dedicated event shuttle [VERIFY: confirm WC2026 shuttle service at mbta.com]
- Pre-booked transfer from Logan: ~40–60 min in normal traffic; allow 75+ min on match day
- Driving note: parking available on-site at Gillette Stadium; allow 90+ minutes post-match for exit congestion
- Tip: consider staying in Foxborough or Dedham for Boston match days — eliminates the commute entirely
Philadelphia — Lincoln Financial Field (Host: R16, 5 group matches)
Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field is approximately 8.5 miles from Philadelphia International Airport and is served by SEPTA public transit. The most practical route: SEPTA Regional Rail from PHL Airport to Center City (Jefferson or Market East Station), then the Broad Street Line south to the stadium area. Dedicated SEPTA event shuttles have run from Center City to Lincoln Financial for major events — confirm availability for World Cup 2026 at septa.org. A direct rideshare from PHL Airport is also viable at approximately 20–30 minutes in normal traffic.
- Primary airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) — ~8.5 miles from Lincoln Financial
- Best option: SEPTA Regional Rail from PHL to Center City, then Broad Street Line south [VERIFY: confirm event shuttle for WC2026 at septa.org]
- Journey time: ~30–45 minutes
- Rideshare from PHL: ~20–30 min in normal traffic; avoid immediately post-match
- Walk from nearest transit stop to gates: ~5–10 minutes
Miami — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens (Host: 3rd Place Jul 18, QF, R32, 4 group matches)
Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens, approximately 20 miles north of Miami International Airport and 12 miles north of downtown Miami. Most fans find the Metrorail/Tri-Rail combination time-consuming and resort to rideshare or pre-booked transfer. A private airport transfer from Miami International Airport is approximately 25–35 minutes in normal traffic, rising to 45–60 minutes on match day. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL) is approximately 20 miles from the stadium and is often used by fans flying into the Miami area — and frequently offers cheaper fares.
- Primary airport: Miami International (MIA) — ~20 miles from Hard Rock Stadium
- Alternative airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) — ~20 miles from stadium; often cheaper airfare
- Transit: Metrorail + Tri-Rail combination possible but complex — allow 75+ minutes
- Recommended: pre-booked private transfer (Kiwitaxi) for a fixed price from MIA or FLL
- Rideshare: viable inbound; post-match surge is significant — walk away from the stadium before requesting
- Notable: Hard Rock Stadium also hosts the Third Place Play-off on July 18 — Miami hosts two late-tournament matches
Arriving by Plane on Match Day? Eliminate the Airport Anxiety
For venues with limited public transport (Boston, Miami, and several Central cities), arriving by plane on match day and relying on on-demand rideshare is the highest-risk transport choice. Surge pricing during match-day congestion can make a 20-mile journey cost $80+. Kiwitaxi offers fixed-price private transfers from airports to all 16 World Cup 2026 stadiums — price confirmed at booking, no surge, driver waiting at arrivals.
Photo by Dario Brönnimann on Unsplash
How to Get from Airport to Stadium: USA Central, West Coast, Canada & Mexico
The remaining World Cup 2026 host cities span the Central US (Dallas, Houston, Kansas City), the West Coast (Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles), Canada (Toronto, Vancouver), and Mexico (Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara). Transport quality varies dramatically — Seattle and Los Angeles have exceptional transit connections, while Dallas and Kansas City are almost entirely car-dependent.
Dallas — AT&T Stadium, Arlington (Host: Semi-final Jul 14, 2 × R32, R16, 5 group matches — 9 total)
AT&T Stadium is the largest World Cup 2026 venue with a confirmed capacity of 94,000 seated fans. It is in Arlington — between Dallas and Fort Worth — with no direct rail connection. From DFW International Airport: approximately 17–20 miles. No direct public transport exists. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) runs to CentrePort/DFW station; a World Cup 2026 shuttle bus to the stadium from this point is expected but must be confirmed at FIFA.com. A pre-booked transfer takes 25–40 minutes in normal traffic; allow 60–90 minutes on match day. Read the full AT&T Stadium parking and transport guide for detailed lot information.
- Primary airport: DFW International — ~17–20 miles from AT&T Stadium
- Best option: TRE train to CentrePort/DFW, then World Cup shuttle bus to stadium [VERIFY: confirm shuttle at FIFA.com before match day]
- Alternative: pre-booked private transfer from DFW (~25–40 min normal; 60–90 min match day)
- Driving: large on-site parking campus — pre-book lots 1–4; allow 90 min from departure for match-day congestion
- Capacity note: AT&T Stadium is the largest venue in the tournament at 94,000 — the biggest match-day crowd management challenge of any host city
Houston — NRG Stadium (Host: R32, R16, 5 group matches)
NRG Stadium is approximately 7 miles from Houston's downtown and has a light rail connection via the METRORail Red Line. The choice of airport matters significantly. From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): approximately 35 miles from NRG Stadium — a long journey. A rideshare from IAH costs $50–$80 and takes 45–70 minutes on match day; pre-booked transfer is strongly recommended. From Houston Hobby Airport (HOU): only 7–10 miles from NRG Stadium and 20–30 minutes by rideshare. For fans with a choice of airports, flying into Hobby is significantly more convenient.
- Best airport for NRG: Houston Hobby (HOU) — 7–10 miles from stadium
- From Hobby: rideshare ~15–25 min; or METRO Park & Ride bus connection
- From IAH: 35 miles; pre-book a private transfer or allow 60+ min for rideshare
- From downtown Houston: METRORail Red Line to Reliant/NRG station (~20 min), then short walk
- Tip: book a hotel on the METRORail Red Line south of downtown for the easiest stadium access
Kansas City — GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Host: QF Jul 11, R32, 4 group matches)
Arrowhead Stadium is approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City with a confirmed capacity of 76,640 and no direct public rail or transit connection. Kansas City's transit system (KC Streetcar and bus) does not extend to the stadium district. This is a car or transfer-dependent venue for almost all fans. From Kansas City International Airport (MCI): approximately 16 miles from Arrowhead Stadium; a rideshare takes 20–30 minutes in normal traffic and 40–55 minutes on match day. The stadium has extensive on-site parking in the surrounding sports complex.
- Primary airport: Kansas City International (MCI) — ~16 miles from Arrowhead
- No direct public transport: car, rideshare, or private transfer required
- From MCI: rideshare ~25–40 min on match day; pre-booked transfer for fixed price
- On-site parking: extensive — thousands of spaces in the surrounding sports complex lots
- Bright side: Kansas City hotel prices and food costs are lower than any other major US host city
Seattle — Lumen Field (Host: R32, 4 group matches)
Seattle's Lumen Field has the best airport-to-stadium public transit connection of any World Cup 2026 venue — a direct light rail line with no transfers from Sea-Tac Airport to Stadium Station immediately adjacent to the gates. This is the simplest and most reliable stadium transport option in the entire tournament. Full details are in our World Cup 2026 Seattle fan guide.
- Primary airport: Seattle-Tacoma International (Sea-Tac) — 14 miles
- Best option: Link Light Rail 1 Line — direct from Sea-Tac Airport station to Stadium Station
- Journey time: ~35–40 minutes | Fare: ~$3.50 | Frequency: every 8–12 min
- From downtown Seattle hotels: under 10 minutes on the same line
- Post-match: return trains run continuously — no surge pricing, no parking exit queues
San Francisco Bay Area — Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (Host: R32, 4 group matches)
Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco and about 5 miles from San Jose. The nearest airport is San Jose Mineta (SJC), making it a significantly better choice than SFO for match day. From SJC: VTA Bus Route 10 or a rideshare — approximately 10–15 minutes to the stadium. From San Francisco International (SFO): take Caltrain from the Millbrae BART connection to Santa Clara station, then walk or short shuttle — approximately 60–70 minutes total.
- Best airport: San Jose Mineta (SJC) — 5 miles from Levi's Stadium
- From SJC: VTA bus or rideshare ~10–15 minutes
- From SFO: Caltrain from Millbrae (BART connection) to Santa Clara — ~60–70 minutes total
- Do NOT fly into OAK (Oakland) for Levi's Stadium matches — 60+ miles from venue
- Tip: staying in Santa Clara or Sunnyvale eliminates the airport transit complexity entirely
Los Angeles — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (Host: QF Jul 10, 2 × R32, 5 group matches)
SoFi Stadium is 3.6 miles from LAX — one of the shortest airport-to-stadium distances of any World Cup 2026 venue. The Metro C Line (Crenshaw Line) connects the two via an automated people mover from LAX terminals to the Aviation/LAX Metro station, then a direct ride to the Inglewood station adjacent to SoFi Stadium. Total journey approximately 15–25 minutes. This is outstanding airport transit for an American sports venue.
- Primary airport: LAX — 3.6 miles from SoFi Stadium
- Best option: LAX automated people mover → Metro C Line to Inglewood station (~15–25 min)
- Fare: TAP card, approximately $1.75–$2.50
- From downtown LA hotels: Metro K Line + C Line, approximately 30–40 minutes
- Post-match: Metro C Line runs extended services after matches — no surge pricing, consistent timing
Canada: Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place)
Both Canadian host cities have excellent public transit connections from their airports to stadiums. Toronto (BMO Field): from Pearson International Airport (YYZ), take the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) to Union Station — approximately 25 minutes, approximately CAD $13. From Union Station, walk approximately 15 minutes west to BMO Field along the waterfront, or take the King Street streetcar westbound. Total journey: 40–50 minutes. Vancouver (BC Place): from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), take the Canada Line SkyTrain directly to Stadium-Chinatown station — adjacent to BC Place. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs approximately CAD $4. This is one of the best airport-to-stadium transit connections of the entire tournament.
- Toronto: UP Express from YYZ → Union Station (~25 min, ~CAD $13) → walk or streetcar to BMO Field (~15 min) — total ~40–50 min
- Vancouver: Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR → Stadium-Chinatown station — direct, ~25 min, ~CAD $4
- Vancouver transit card: Compass Card — preload before arrival for fastest boarding
- Toronto transit: PRESTO card works on both UP Express and TTC streetcars
- Canada entry note: US and most international fans do not need a visa for Canada but do need a valid passport and may need an eTA — confirm requirements at canada.ca before travel
Mexico: Mexico City, Monterrey & Guadalajara
All three Mexican host cities have functional public transport connections to their stadiums. Mexico City (Estadio Azteca): from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), take Metro Line 5 (yellow) to Pantitlán, transfer to Line 2 (blue) to Tasqueña, then the Tren Ligero south to Estadio Azteca station — directly at the stadium entrance. Total journey approximately 60–75 minutes; fare approximately MXN $5–$10. Avoid driving to the Azteca on match day. Monterrey (Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe): from Monterrey International Airport (MTY), approximately 22km from the stadium — a rideshare or pre-booked transfer is the most practical option (~30–40 min). Guadalajara (Estadio Akron, Zapopan): from Guadalajara's Miguel Hidalgo Airport (GDL), the Tren Eléctrico Urbano Line 3 connects to Estadio Akron station in approximately 20–25 minutes.
- Mexico City: Metro Lines 5+2 + Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca — ~60–75 min, very affordable. Avoid driving to the Azteca on match day.
- Monterrey: pre-booked private transfer recommended from MTY — stadium is in Guadalupe, not city centre
- Guadalajara: Tren Eléctrico Line 3 to Estadio Akron station — ~20–25 min from city centre
- Currency: carry Mexican pesos (MXN) for transit fares — card acceptance is limited on local buses and Tren Ligero
Book Your Host City Hotel Before Match Week Prices Spike
Hotels within 20 minutes of World Cup 2026 stadiums are filling rapidly for June and July match weeks. Properties near the best transit links — downtown Seattle, Inglewood for LA, Vine City in Atlanta, downtown Vancouver — are the most sought-after. Lock in free-cancellation rates now.
World Cup 2026 Match Day Travel Preparation Checklist
The journey from airport to stadium is only as smooth as your preparation the night before. Work through this checklist for every match day — it covers the transport, technology, and documentation that most fans get wrong.
Planning a Multi-City World Cup 2026 Trip: The Smart Strategy
The World Cup 2026's geographic spread across three countries and 16 cities creates a unique multi-city trip opportunity — but also the risk of exhausting logistics if the itinerary is not planned carefully. The most successful multi-city World Cup trips share a common structure: two or three host cities maximum, chosen in geographic proximity, with 3–5 days in each. Flying between LA and New York for back-to-back group stage matches sounds appealing but produces 5-hour travel days that eat into the city experience you are paying to have. The regional clusters FIFA designed make natural multi-city itineraries obvious: Western region (LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver) connected by short domestic flights; Central region (Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) connected by 1–2 hour domestic flights between any pair; Eastern region (New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, Atlanta, Miami) where Amtrak Northeast Corridor connects the northern cities in 2–6 hours without airport hassle. For the Final: MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 — if targeting it, build your entire trip around New York and pair it with Philadelphia, Boston, or Atlanta group stage matches, all within a 6-hour Amtrak journey. See our World Cup 2026 fan zones guide for the non-match-day experience in every host city.
World Cup 2026 Schedule, Fixtures & Stadium Transport: FAQs
The Schedule Is Set. The Route to the Stadium Is Clear. Now Build the Trip.
The World Cup 2026 schedule is fixed, verified, and published. The fixtures by city are confirmed from the December 2025 draw. The transport routes from every major airport to every host venue exist and are known quantities — some straightforward (Seattle, LA, Vancouver, Atlanta), some requiring careful planning (Dallas, Boston, Miami, Kansas City). What is left is yours to decide: which matches, which cities, how many days, which combinations. The full schedule in this guide gives you the framework. The trip planning checklist and city fan guides give you the rest. June 11 to July 19. This is the one.
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