Houston is the best World Cup 2026 host city for fans — ranked #1 with a score of 7.4 out of 10 in Stasher's independent December 2025 study of all 16 host cities. But the right city for your trip depends on what you are optimising for: budget, atmosphere, matches per dollar, prestige, or tourism value. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities in three countries — 11 in the USA, 2 in Canada, and 3 in Mexico — with 104 matches total. The USA hosts the knockouts: Dallas (Semi-Final, July 14), Atlanta (Semi-Final, July 15), and New York/NJ (Final, July 19). Mexico City hosts the tournament's opening match on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca. This guide ranks all 16 cities across six criteria: fan experience, affordability, match count, stadium quality, transport infrastructure, and tourist appeal — using verified data from Stasher (December 2025), Lighthouse Intelligence (January 2026), Roadtrips.com, Football Ground Guide (February 2026), FIFA, and live schedule data from NBC Sports.
Ranking Methodology: How the 16 Cities Were Evaluated
The primary ranking scores in this guide are drawn from Stasher's independent December 2025 research study, which evaluated all 16 host cities across five equally weighted criteria: sports bar and stadium culture density (number and quality of dedicated sports venues per city), stadium access and match-day transport infrastructure, affordability of accommodation and dining relative to the global average, tourist safety ratings sourced from international safety indices, and wider sporting and cultural infrastructure. Each city was scored out of 10, with 7.4/10 (Houston) as the highest score and 3.4/10 (San Francisco) as the lowest. Where Stasher scores are not available for a city (the study primarily focused on the top 11 cities), this guide supplements with data from Roadtrips.com's December 2025 city assessments, Lonely Planet's February 2026 fan guide, and Football Ground Guide's February 2026 stadium user ratings study. Hotel cost data is sourced from Lighthouse Intelligence (January 2026). Match counts and dates are confirmed from the official FIFA 2026 schedule (December 2025). All scores and qualitative assessments reflect conditions as of February 2026 — conditions may change as the tournament approaches and new fan zone and transport announcements are made by host committees.
All 16 Host Cities Ranked: Complete Reference Table
Ranked by overall fan experience score. Hotel baseline reflects pre-tournament average nightly rates (Lighthouse Intelligence, January 2026). Stadium capacity reflects confirmed World Cup 2026 configuration.
| Rank | City | Country | Score | Stadium | Capacity | Matches | Hotel Baseline/Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston, TX | USA | 7.4/10 | NRG Stadium | 72,220 | 6–8 | $91–$122 |
| 2 | New York / NJ | USA | 6.0/10 | MetLife Stadium | 82,500 | 8 + Final | $289–$583 |
| 3 | Los Angeles, CA | USA | 5.3/10 | SoFi Stadium | 70,240 | 8 | $150–$300+ |
| 4 | Mexico City, MX | Mexico | 5.2/10 | Estadio Azteca | 87,523 | 8 | $60–$157 |
| 5 | Toronto, Canada | Canada | 5.1/10 | BMO Field | 45,736 | 6 | $150–$200 |
| 6 | Atlanta, GA | USA | 4.4/10 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 71,000 | 6–8 + SF | $129–$180 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | USA | 4.3/10 | Lumen Field | 69,000 | 6 | $150–$250 |
| 8 | Miami, FL | USA | 4.3/10 | Hard Rock Stadium | 65,326 | 6–8 | $160–$350 |
| 9 | Dallas, TX | USA | 3.7/10 | AT&T Stadium | 92,967 | 8–9 + SF | $101–$150 |
| 10 | Boston, MA | USA | 3.7/10 | Gillette Stadium | 65,878 | 6–8 | $250–$350 |
| 11 | San Francisco Bay Area, CA | USA | 3.4/10 | Levi's Stadium | 68,500 | 6–8 | $200–$400 |
| 12 | Kansas City, MO | USA | Unranked | Arrowhead Stadium | 76,416 | 7 | $121–$140 |
| 13 | Philadelphia, PA | USA | Unranked | Lincoln Financial Field | 69,796 | 6–8 | $130–$200 |
| 14 | Vancouver, Canada | Canada | Unranked | BC Place | 54,500 | 6 | $200–$300 |
| 15 | Guadalajara, MX | Mexico | Unranked | Estadio Akron | 49,850 | 6 | $105–$110 |
| 16 | Monterrey, MX | Mexico | Unranked | Estadio BBVA | 53,500 | 6 | $85–$150 |
Houston (#1, 7.4/10): The Fan's City
Houston tops every affordability metric for a US World Cup host city, and it does so while delivering a sports culture that rivals the most passionate fan cities on the continent. The city is home to 4 major professional sports franchises — the Texans (NFL), Rockets (NBA), Astros (MLB), and Dynamo (MLS) — and its sports bar scene is among the densest and most fan-focused of any host city. NRG Stadium, where Houston's World Cup matches take place, seats 72,220 and features a retractable roof — an important detail for a city that can see temperatures exceed 95°F in June and July. The roof and state-of-the-art air filtration system make NRG one of the most comfortable outdoor-to-indoor venues in the tournament for a summer event. Hotel baselines are the lowest of any US host city ($91–$122 per night), and while the tournament surge is significant (+457%), booking in the current window still yields match-week prices in the $510–$680 range — far below the $1,500+ you will pay in New York or Boston for comparable accommodation. Houston also benefits from two major international airports (George Bush Intercontinental — IAH and Hobby — HOU), both of which have direct long-haul connections to Europe, South America, and Latin America, meaning international fans can often fly direct without connecting through another US city. Beyond the football, Houston offers a genuinely underrated tourism experience: the NASA Space Center, an extraordinary restaurant scene across dozens of cultural communities, and the Museum District — a 1.5-square-mile cluster of 19 museums — give it more to offer on non-match days than its ranking might suggest.
- Stadium: NRG Stadium, capacity 72,220, retractable roof (critical for June–July heat)
- Hotel baseline: $91–$122/night — lowest in the US, book now for match-week rates
- International airports: George Bush (IAH) and Hobby (HOU) with direct long-haul routes
- Sports franchise density: 4 major pro teams — Texans, Rockets, Astros, Dynamo
- Non-match highlights: NASA Space Center, Museum District (19 museums), Montrose/Midtown dining scene
- Best for: Budget-conscious fans, Latin American supporters, fans wanting multiple matches at affordable prices
New York/NJ (#2, 6/10): The Final and Global Energy
No World Cup host city carries the brand recognition or global connectivity of New York, and no venue in the tournament comes close to the prestige of hosting the Final. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey hosts the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026 — and with a capacity of 82,500, it will also host the largest crowd of any match in the tournament's history. The NY/NJ experience is simultaneously the most exciting and the most expensive of any host city. Hotel prices near MetLife on Final and Semi-Final adjacent nights have reached $1,552 for a 2-night stay, with overall match-week surges of +437–503%. New York ranks 2nd in the Stasher study (6/10) primarily because it loses points for cost and the inherent logistical complexity of a stadium located 20 miles from central Manhattan in the New Jersey suburbs — transit works, but it requires planning. The PATH train and NJ Transit provide direct routes to the stadium from Midtown Manhattan, and match-day shuttle services will augment public transport. One important update for fans planning around the fan festival: the original FIFA Fan Festival planned for Liberty State Park in Jersey City was cancelled on February 19, 2026. The official FIFA Fan Zone will instead take place at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, from June 17 to June 28. Fans planning their itinerary around the fan festival need to update their accommodation plans accordingly — Queens-based hotels or Manhattan hotels near Flushing Meadows are now the better basing strategy for fan zone activities.
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford NJ, capacity 82,500 — largest in the tournament
- Hosts: Final (July 19) + 7 additional group and knockout round matches
- Fan Zone UPDATE (Feb 19, 2026): Original Liberty State Park FanFest cancelled — relocated to USTA Billie Jean King NTC, Queens, June 17–28
- Transit to MetLife: NJ Transit + PATH train from Midtown Manhattan (~45 minutes)
- Hotel strategy: Newark and Jersey City for match nights (lower prices than central Manhattan)
- Best for: Fans attending the Final or late-stage knockouts, first-time US visitors wanting New York as a base
Los Angeles (#3, 5.3/10): Football Culture Meets Global City
Los Angeles is a heavyweight sporting city with world-class venues, a strong and growing football culture, and a level of off-pitch entertainment that no other host city can match. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood seats 70,240 and is one of the most architecturally spectacular venues in the tournament — a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2020 that regularly hosts international football friendlies and has already hosted the 2023 Super Bowl. LA's football culture has grown considerably with the rise of LAFC and the LA Galaxy in MLS, and the city's large Latin American and European diaspora communities mean passionate supporters from dozens of nations will be at home in LA's fan scene. The city loses points in the Stasher ranking due to the high cost of accommodation and food, and the famously challenging traffic and transport situation. Driving in LA is not recommended on match days — Uber and Lyft surge pricing will be extreme. The best strategy is to stay in Inglewood (where SoFi is located) or use the LAX/Inglewood Metro K Line, which provides a direct connection from the Metro network to Stadium Loop Station at SoFi. Los Angeles opens the USA's World Cup campaign with the first group stage matches on June 12, creating an early-tournament opportunity for fans who want to start their trip on the West Coast before potentially moving east for later rounds.
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, capacity 70,240 — opened 2020, one of the world's newest major venues
- First US matches: June 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 28, July 2, 10
- Transport: Metro K Line direct to Stadium Loop Station — use this instead of driving or ride-hailing
- Hotel strategy: Inglewood or nearby El Segundo for match nights; Long Beach or Anaheim for non-match nights
- Off-pitch highlights: Beaches (Venice, Santa Monica), Getty Museum, Hollywood, world-class restaurant scene
- Best for: Luxury fans, fans wanting the best off-pitch experience, first-time US visitors
Mexico City (#4, 5.2/10): The Soul of the Tournament
If any single city in the 2026 World Cup can claim the soul of the tournament, it is Mexico City. Estadio Azteca — capacity 87,523, the second-largest stadium in the world and the second-largest in this tournament after MetLife — hosts the tournament's opening match on June 11 (Mexico vs South Africa, 3pm ET). More significantly, the Azteca will become the only stadium in history to have hosted three World Cup Final tournaments: 1970, 1986, and now 2026. That historical weight is tangible inside the stadium and in the city streets surrounding it on match days. Mexico City ranks 4th in the Stasher study (5.2/10) and is Roadtrips.com's #1 overall pick for the complete World Cup experience. The city offers an extraordinary combination of price, atmosphere, cuisine, and culture that no US host city can replicate. Hotel baselines are the lowest of any host city with overnight options ($60–$157/night baseline), but the +961% tournament surge on match nights means that fans who have not yet booked accommodation for June 2026 Azteca match dates are likely to pay dramatically more. The Football Ground Guide's February 2026 study of user-rated stadiums found Estadio Azteca among the highest-rated venues from fans who have actually visited — a testament to its unique atmosphere and history. Mexico City also serves as an excellent base for attending matches in both Guadalajara (4-hour drive or 1-hour flight) and Monterrey (1.5-hour flight), making it the ideal hub for fans who want to experience multiple Mexican host cities.
- Stadium: Estadio Azteca, capacity 87,523 — the only stadium to host three World Cup tournaments (1970, 1986, 2026)
- Opening match: June 11, Mexico vs South Africa, 3pm ET — the most anticipated match of the group stage
- Hotel baseline: $60–$157/night, but +961% tournament surge — book immediately
- Best fan experience rated by visitors: Estadio Azteca is consistently top-rated by fans who have visited (Football Ground Guide, Feb 2026)
- Multi-city base: 1-hour flight to Monterrey, 4-hour drive or 1-hour flight to Guadalajara
- Best for: Football culture purists, fans wanting the most intense atmosphere, budget fans who book early
Toronto (#5, 5.1/10): Safe, Walkable, Internationally Connected
Toronto is the most consistently praised city for first-time North American visitors in the tournament — and the data backs the reputation. Vancouver leads all 16 host cities in tourist safety ratings, with Toronto a close second. Toronto's BMO Field has undergone a $120 million renovation to bring it in line with international football standards and will host 6 matches at a capacity of 45,736. The stadium is located just west of Toronto's downtown core and is walkable from major hotel areas, making it one of the most pedestrian-friendly match-day experiences in the entire tournament. Toronto's hotel surge is also the most moderate of any host city at just +20–30% — meaning fans who book even in March 2026 will find reasonable rates at standard hotels, and there is genuinely less urgency in Toronto's accommodation market than in any other host city. The city's Pearson International Airport is one of the most connected airports in North America for international routes, with direct long-haul service from the UK, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia — making Toronto an accessible first or last stop for international fans doing a multi-city World Cup trip. A note on entry: Canada operates its own independent immigration system. US ESTA and B1/B2 visas do not cover entry into Canada. Most visa-exempt nationalities need a Canadian eTA (CAD $7 at canada.ca), and non-visa-exempt nationalities need a Canadian visitor visa from IRCC.
- Stadium: BMO Field, capacity 45,736 post-renovation — walkable from downtown Toronto
- Match dates: 6 matches confirmed (Matches 3, 21, 33, 46, 62, 83 per official FIFA schedule)
- Hotel surge: Only +20–30% above baseline — the most predictable and affordable accommodation market in the tournament
- Tourist safety: 2nd-highest rated city for safety across all 16 host cities (Stasher, Dec 2025)
- Entry: Requires separate Canadian entry — US ESTA/visa does not cover Canada. Get eTA at canada.ca (CAD $7) if eligible
- Best for: First-time North American visitors, safety-conscious travelers, fans wanting a reliable, walkable city experience
Dallas and Atlanta: The Semi-Final Cities
Dallas and Atlanta are the two Semi-Final host cities, making them the most important knockout round destinations outside of New York/NJ. Dallas (AT&T Stadium, capacity 92,967) hosts the larger of the two stadiums in the tournament — a retractable dome venue in Arlington with one of the most impressive scoreboards in global sport, measuring 160 feet wide and 72 feet tall. Dallas hosts 9 total matches including Semi-Final 1 on July 14 — more matches than any other single venue in the tournament. Its hotel baseline is $101–$150/night with a tournament surge of +174%, making it significantly more affordable than any other city hosting knockout football. Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, capacity 71,000) is a similarly modern and impressive facility — the only stadium in the world with an oculus retractable roof — and hosts Semi-Final 2 on July 15. Atlanta is a well-established major event host and has strong transit infrastructure from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which is itself the world's busiest airport and provides extraordinary direct flight access from virtually everywhere. For fans attending Semi-Finals, 3-night packages for both Dallas and Atlanta from Roadtrips.com are currently starting from $6,675, which includes 3 nights in a standard hotel and match transport.
- Dallas — AT&T Stadium (Arlington), capacity 92,967: Semi-Final 1 (July 14, 3pm ET) + 8 additional matches
- Atlanta — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, capacity 71,000: Semi-Final 2 (July 15, 3pm ET) + group/knockout rounds
- Dallas hotel baseline: $101–$150/night (+174% surge) — best value of any knockout city
- Atlanta hotel baseline: $129–$180/night (+344% surge) — moderate cost for a SF city
- Semi-Final 3-night packages: From $6,675 per person (Roadtrips.com) for standard hotel + match transport
- Dallas airport: DFW International — strong direct international connections including Latin America and UK
- Atlanta airport: Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) — world's busiest airport, direct routes from virtually everywhere
Best Value Cities: Maximum Matches Per Dollar
For fans whose primary goal is attending the most football at the lowest total cost, four cities stand out from the analysis. Dallas leads the list by combining the highest match count (9 matches including a Semi-Final) with the most moderate tournament surge (+174%) among high-match-count cities and a hotel baseline of $101–$150 per night. Houston offers the lowest hotel baseline in the USA ($91–$122/night) with 6–8 matches, and its southern Texas proximity means it frequently shares fan bases with Dallas — a multi-city visit to both is achievable in a single trip. Kansas City offers genuine value for a city that most international fans overlook — Arrowhead Stadium, capacity 76,416, hosts 7 confirmed match dates including a Quarter-Final (July 11) in a famously passionate sports city known for its BBQ culture, fountains, and jazz heritage. Mexico's Guadalajara and Monterrey offer the lowest total daily costs of any host city when you factor in food, transport, and accommodation, while providing an authentic Mexican football atmosphere that rivals Mexico City at a lower price point.
| City | Matches | Hotel Baseline | Tournament Surge | Total Daily Cost Est. | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 9 incl. Semi-Final | $101–$150/night | +174% | $200–$350 | ★★★★★ |
| Houston, TX | 6–8 | $91–$122/night | +457% | $190–$320 | ★★★★½ |
| Kansas City, MO | 7 incl. Quarter-Final | $121–$140/night | +364% | $210–$370 | ★★★★ |
| Atlanta, GA | 8+ incl. Semi-Final | $129–$180/night | +344% | $220–$390 | ★★★★ |
| Guadalajara, MX | 6 | $105–$110/night | +405% | $150–$280 | ★★★★ |
| Monterrey, MX | 6 | $85–$150/night | +280% | $140–$260 | ★★★★ |
| Toronto, Canada | 6 | $150–$200/night | +20–30% | $230–$420 | ★★★½ |
| New York / NJ | 8 + Final | $289–$583/night | +437–503% | $400–$900+ | ★★ (prestige, not value) |
Fan Festivals and Official Fan Zones by City
All 16 host cities are staging official FIFA Fan Festival or Fan Zone activations, which provide large-scale match screenings, entertainment, food, and merchandise — typically free to enter or with a nominal ticket. Fan festivals are the best way to experience World Cup atmosphere in a city even on days when you do not have a match ticket. However, the fan festival situation is in flux as of February 2026: several cities are still finalising their official locations, and one major change has already been announced. The NY/NJ host committee cancelled its originally planned FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park, Jersey City on February 19, 2026. The official FIFA Fan Zone for New York/NJ will instead take place at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center's Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, running June 17 to June 28, 2026. This is a significant change for fans who had planned their accommodation strategy around the Jersey City location. For other host cities, fans should monitor the official FIFA host city pages and local host committee announcements for fan festival details, as locations and dates for several cities have not yet been finalised. Mexico City's fan activations around the Azteca and in the Zócalo main square will likely be the most atmospheric of any host city based on historical precedent from 2026 qualifying and Copa América 2024.
- New York/NJ: FIFA Fan Zone at USTA Billie Jean King NTC (Louis Armstrong Stadium), Queens — June 17–28, 2026. UPDATED: Original Liberty State Park FanFest was cancelled February 19, 2026
- Mexico City: Fan activations expected around Estadio Azteca and Zócalo main square — location TBC by host committee
- Houston: Fan zone details TBC — monitor houstonfwc26.com
- Dallas: Fan zone at Fair Park area — details TBC
- Los Angeles: Fan zone details TBC — monitor LA2028 and local host committee channels
- Toronto: Fan zone at Nathan Phillips Square and Exhibition Place expected — details TBC
- All other cities: Monitor the official FIFA host city pages at fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/host-cities
- Fan festival entry is typically free or low-cost — no match ticket required to attend
How to Choose Your World Cup 2026 City: A Practical Decision Framework
Use these four questions to identify your best-fit host city before comparing prices or booking anything. Question 1: What is your total budget? If under $5,000 all-in, choose Dallas, Houston, or a Mexican city (Guadalajara/Monterrey). If $5,000–$15,000, you have access to most cities. If over $15,000, New York for the Final or knockout rounds is viable. Question 2: How many matches do you want to attend? For 2 matches, any city works. For 3–5 matches in one city, Dallas (9 matches) is the only city with enough single-location matches for a knockout-heavy itinerary. For a multi-city trip, Dallas + Houston or Dallas + Kansas City are natural pairings. Question 3: What type of experience matters most? Football culture above all else — Mexico City. Urban tourism — New York or Los Angeles. Safety and ease — Toronto. Question 4: Where are you flying from? International fans from the UK and Europe tend to fly best into New York, Dallas, or Miami. Latin American fans fly naturally into Miami, Dallas, or Mexican cities. Asian fans typically route through Los Angeles. Use your gateway city as your anchor match city.
Houston: #1 Ranked — Full City Guide
The best overall city for World Cup fans. Our Houston guide covers transport to NRG Stadium, the best-value hotels in every budget tier, fan zones, sports bars, and non-match day recommendations.
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MetLife Stadium hosts the World Cup Final. Our New York/NJ guide covers the relocated fan zone (USTA Billie Jean King NTC, Queens), stadium transport from Manhattan, Newark and Jersey City hotel alternatives, and planning your Final day.
New York & NJ Fan GuideMexico City: Opening Match at Estadio Azteca — Full City Guide
The tournament begins here on June 11. Estadio Azteca is the most historically significant venue of the 2026 World Cup. Our Mexico City guide covers fan zone activations, best hotels to book before prices surge further, and transport from the city centre.
Mexico City Fan Guide10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your World Cup 2026 Host City
Work through these before booking anything. The answers will narrow your choice from 16 cities to 2–3 strong candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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