The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest tournament ever held, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in North America. Fans from all over the world are preparing for this historic event. This FIFA 2026 travel guide on Odds96 serves as a complete World Cup 2026 fan checklist and host city guide, helping you plan your trip, choose stadiums, book tickets, and stay safe throughout your journey. It also includes verified stadium tips 2026 for smooth matchday experiences.
Overview
This World Cup 2026 fan checklist covers every key aspect of FIFA 2026 travel. You will find all 16 host stadiums, their crowd capacities, ticket buying instructions, nearby hotels, and details about reaching medical facilities. The host city guide ensures fans can navigate easily, find safe accommodation, and arrive at stadiums on time. This practical guide is written using up-to-date information confirmed through FIFA’s official resources.
All Football Stadiums in North America for the World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Below is the verified list of stadiums along with approximate crowd capacities, forming the backbone of your FIFA 2026 travel plan and host city guide.
United States
- MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey – 82,500 (Final venue)
- AT&T Stadium, Dallas/Arlington – 80,000
- SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 70,000
- NRG Stadium, Houston – 72,000
- GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – 76,000
- Hard Rock Stadium, Miami – 65,000
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 70,000
- Gillette Stadium, Boston – 65,000
- Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area – 68,000
- Lumen Field, Seattle – 69,000
- Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 69,000
Mexico
- Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 87,500 (Opening match venue)
- Estadio BBVA, Monterrey – 53,000
- Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 48,000
Canada
- BMO Field, Toronto – 45,000 (expanded capacity)
- BC Place, Vancouver – 54,500
All capacities listed are official FIFA tournament configurations, and some may slightly change due to temporary seating or construction updates. Fans are advised to confirm final seating details on FIFA.com before booking tickets.
History and Founding Years of Major Stadiums
Here is a snapshot of a few key stadiums and their football heritage, adding depth to your World Cup 2026 fan checklist.
- Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (1966): Legendary arena that hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals. It will host the opening match in 2026.
- MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (2010): A modern multi-purpose stadium that will host the World Cup 2026 final.
- AT&T Stadium, Texas (2009): Known for its roof and massive HD screen, one of the world’s most advanced venues.
- BMO Field, Toronto (2007): Canada’s football fortress, expanded to host larger international crowds.
- BC Place, Vancouver (1983, renovated 2011): Iconic dome stadium with a retractable roof, used during the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
Each venue represents football history in North America and offers a distinct matchday atmosphere. These stadiums will be the heart of FIFA 2026 travel experiences.
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How and Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup will be sold only through official FIFA channels. To be part of this tournament, follow these steps:
- Visit the official FIFA ticketing platform: FIFA.com/tickets.
- Create a FIFA account and register for ticket alerts.
- Choose from individual match tickets, team packages, or hospitality options.
- Avoid third-party sellers and unofficial platforms, as FIFA strictly warns against ticket fraud.
Hospitality tickets are available through FIFA-approved partners. These include match experiences with premium seating, dining, and stadium access. Fans are advised to buy only from verified sources.
Stadium tips 2026 for ticketing: Always carry an ID that matches your ticket name, download your digital ticket in advance, and verify your stadium gate before the matchday rush.
How to Reach a Hospital on Matchday
Every stadium in the FIFA 2026 host city guide includes on-site medical support and emergency services. Here is what fans should know:
- Look for first-aid stations near main entry gates and concourse areas.
- In an emergency, call 911 in the United States and Canada, or 065/911 in Mexico.
- Keep travel insurance information and a paper copy of your hotel address with you.
- Before heading to the match, check the nearest hospital location on Google Maps.
- Stadium medical teams are trained in multilingual assistance and international care.
Safety is a crucial part of FIFA 2026 travel planning, especially in large crowds and hot conditions during the summer months.
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Best Hotels Near the Stadium
Accommodation during the tournament will be in high demand. Booking early is strongly recommended. Here are general hotel guidelines for your host city guide:
- New York/New Jersey: Choose hotels in Secaucus or East Rutherford with shuttle services to MetLife Stadium.
- Mexico City: Safe areas include Polanco and Condesa, which offer quick routes to Estadio Azteca.
- Toronto: Stay near Exhibition Place or downtown for BMO Field access.
- Los Angeles: Downtown LA or Inglewood provide convenient access to SoFi Stadium.
- Dallas: Arlington or Irving are the top options near AT&T Stadium.
For all locations, choose hotels with public transport links or shuttle options. Always check cancellation policies and book flexible rates, since fixtures may change during the tournament.
Stadium Tips 2026 for Matchdays
- Arrive at least 90 minutes early to pass through security smoothly.
- Review prohibited items and stadium rules before travelling.
- Carry only essentials, hydrate well, and use digital payments for speed.
- Locate your seat section and medical station early.
- Respect local cultures and stadium staff instructions at all times.
Proper preparation makes the difference between a stressful and a memorable matchday. Following this part of the World Cup 2026 fan checklist ensures safety and enjoyment throughout your FIFA 2026 travel experience.
FAQs
Q1: Where can I buy official World Cup 2026 tickets?
A: Only through FIFA’s official platform at FIFA.com/tickets or through approved hospitality partners.
Q2: Are medical services available inside stadiums?
A: Yes, all host stadiums will have emergency medical units and on-site doctors available.
Q3: Can fans resell tickets?
A: Only through FIFA’s official resale system if and when it opens. Avoid unauthorised resellers.
Q4: How do I get to stadiums from the airport?
A: Use local transport networks such as trains, metro, or dedicated FIFA shuttles listed in each host city guide.
Conclusion
This complete FIFA 2026 travel guide and World Cup 2026 fan checklist will help you navigate all 16 host cities across North America with confidence. From ticketing and transport to stadium tips 2026, this host city guide ensures fans experience every match safely and efficiently. Whether you are heading to Mexico City for the opening match or New Jersey for the final, preparation is key to enjoying football’s biggest spectacle.
For real-time match activity, verified travel alerts, and all fan-related actions, keep visiting Odds96, your one-stop destination for every update on the FIFA World Cup 2026.
