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The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens on June 11 — less than four months away. Hotels in every host city are running 3–5x above normal rates on match dates, and the window for sensible booking is closing fast. This is not a trip you plan in May. This guide breaks down every action by month, from right now through match day, so nothing gets missed and nothing costs more than it should.
Mexico hosts the opening match against a CAF opponent at Estadio Azteca on June 11. The group stage runs through July 1, with knockouts from July 2 to the Final on July 19. That leaves under four months for every logistical decision — tickets, flights, hotels, visas, insurance, and transport — and prices are already at historic highs.
Source: FIFA official schedule, December 2025
Do This Now (February–March 2026)
These are the actions where every week of delay directly costs money or risks availability.
Confirm and Finalise (April–May 2026)
Once tickets and hotels are secured, focus on logistics, documents, and day-to-day planning.
Two Weeks Before Departure
Final preparation — cover everything your match-day experience depends on.
Multi-Country Trip Planning: USA + Canada + Mexico
Many fans will combine matches across multiple host countries. Each country has separate visa, currency, and transit requirements. The key principle is to book the hardest logistical element first — and that is usually the ground transport between cities, not the flights.
| Country | Entry Requirement | Currency | Key Transit Note | Average Match-Night Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (11 venues) | ESTA ($21) or B-2 visa | USD | NJ Transit to MetLife; Connect KC 26 buses in KC; SkyTrain equivalent in Seattle | $180–$600/night |
| Canada (2 venues: Toronto, Vancouver) | eTA (CAD $7) or TRV | CAD | TTC + GO Train to BMO Field; SkyTrain Expo/Canada Line to BC Place | CAD $250–$600/night |
| Mexico (3 venues: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) | Visa-free (60+ countries) or FMM form | MXN | Mexico City Metro (Estadio Azteca, Line 2); Uber widely available in all 3 cities | $100–$300/night (best value of 3 countries) |
Book Your Knockout Round Contingency Now
The most expensive mistake World Cup fans make is waiting to see if their team advances before booking knockout accommodation. By the time the Round of 16 fixtures are confirmed, hotel prices in the relevant venues will have doubled overnight and availability will have collapsed. Pre-research the knockout round venues for your team's potential path — at minimum identify two backup hotel options in each city and bookmark them now. A refundable reservation made today is better than a $1,200 emergency booking made in 48 hours.
Match Day Checklist — Every Match
Complete this before leaving your hotel for every match.
Build Your Personalised World Cup 2026 Budget
Use our World Cup 2026 Trip Calculator to get a full cost estimate for your specific trip — your cities, your matches, your travel dates, and your tier.
Calculate My World Cup Trip CostWorld Cup 2026 Trip Planning — Frequently Asked Questions
Stay connected across all 16 host cities — no roaming fees
Attending matches in multiple cities? An eSIM lets you activate local data before you land with no physical SIM swap required. Airalo covers 200+ countries with instant digital delivery.
Secure your connection on public Wi-Fi
Fan zones, airports, hotels, and stadium concourses all run shared public networks. A VPN protects your connection when booking tickets, managing banking apps, or accessing travel accounts on the go.