Why the World Cup is Worth Traveling For-Even if You Can't Get Tickets

"It's the first time ever that three nations will host the tournament, sending international football fans to 16 cities throughout Mexico, the United States, and Canada. As stadiums sell out, many soccer lovers will travel to host cities whether or not they can snag a ticket, says Paul Caine, the president of FIFA's official hospitality partner, On Location. "People just want to be where the energy is," he says. "Many of the cities are pulling out all the stops.""

"The tournament kicks off at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which has a roster of events planned to take spectators beyond the stadium: Travelers can learn about the ancient Mesoamerican ball games at archaeological sites such as Teotihuacán and Templo Mayor, sample cuisine from the nation's 32 states at the México de Mis Sabores food festival from June 5 through July 22, and attend raucous watch parties at the city's historic Zócalo."

"The action then continues on to Los Angeles, where the US Men's National Team plays its first game, on June 12. During the city's eight matches, an official FIFA Fan Festival will be held at the LA Memorial Coliseum, while specially designated Fan Zones will host smaller-scale neighborhood events and watch parties throughout the tournament. Those are free to enter; for mega-fans looking to splurge, On Location's Platinum Access packages bundle match tickets with stays at luxury hotels including Shutters on the Beach and the Four Seasons, plus perks like VIP immigration and customs processing at LAX's private terminal, PS."

Up to 6.5 million international visitors are expected across North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three nations sharing hosting duties across 16 cities. Many fans will travel to host cities even without match tickets to soak up public events and festival atmospheres. Mexico City opens play at Estadio Azteca and offers cultural excursions, archaeological tours, a nationwide food festival, and Zócalo watch parties. Los Angeles will present an official FIFA Fan Festival, neighborhood Fan Zones, and premium hospitality packages. Unofficial experiences such as pickup games and anthem sing‑alongs will animate multicultural cities like Toronto.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler