Soccer (and football) fans, it’s officially time to start planning. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heading to North America, with matches taking place in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and Mexico City. Whether you’re chasing your favorite national team or simply want to experience the energy of the world’s biggest sporting event, now’s the time to get ready.
Tickets are expected to sell out quickly once the next wave of official sales opens. In the meantime, StubHub already has verified resale tickets, including opening rounds, knockout games and final matches.
While ticket prices are high, early travel booking through sites like Expedia can save hundreds. Locking in flights and hotels near host cities months in advance is one of the smartest ways to stay within budget.
How FIFA’s Ticket System Works
The FIFA World Cup ticketing process is unlike any other sporting event. It’s a mix of lottery draws, timed purchase windows and resale marketplaces. Here’s what fans need to know:
- FIFA Ticket Lottery: To buy official tickets, fans must register for a FIFA ID and enter a lottery draw. The first draw for the 2026 World Cup began in September 2025, with a Visa presale phase followed by general draws.
- Dynamic Pricing: Ticket prices will vary depending on demand, starting around $60 for group matches and reaching several thousand dollars for the final.
- Purchase Without Knowing Teams: Early buyers often purchase match “slots” before knowing which teams will play.
- Official Resale Marketplace: FIFA will operate its own verified resale platform, and StubHub will also list verified resale and hospitality tickets for fans who miss out during the lottery phases.
- Hospitality Packages: Official partners like On Location and select travel platforms will offer premium ticket-and-hotel bundles, though prices can vary.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on StubHub as team matchups are announced. Listings for key games and knockout rounds tend to appear there first.
Match Dates and Host Cities: 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place June 11 to July 19, 2026, in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Here’s a quick breakdown, with the matching StubHub ticket pages so you can buy your tickets and plan your trip.
Opening Match: June 11, 2026
- Host city / Metro Area: Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
- The tournament kicks off in one of soccer’s most historic venues.
Group Stage: June 11–27, 2026
- Host Cities / Metro Areas: Los Angeles, Toronto, Guadalajara, Vancouver, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Seattle, New York/New Jersey, San Francisco, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Kansas City, Monterrey
- 48 teams will play across North America during this phase, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to attend games in multiple cities.
Round of 32: June 28–July 3, 2026
- Host Cities / Metro Areas: Los Angeles, Mexico City, Houston, Miami, Dallas, Toronto, Atlanta, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Kansas City
- First knockout round with early elimination matches.
Round of 16: Early to Mid-July 2026
- Host Cities / Metro Areas: Philadelphia, Houston, New York/New Jersey, Mexico City, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Vancouver
- Teams fight for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals: July 9–11, 2026
- Host Cities / Metro Areas: Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Kansas City
- A great opportunity to book premium seats or hospitality packages early.
Semifinals: July 14–15, 2026
- Host Cities / Metro Areas: Dallas, Atlanta
- These two matches are expected to draw international crowds.
Third Place Match: July 18, 2026
- Host City / Metro Area: Miami
- A fun, high-energy match before the big finale.
Final: July 19, 2026
- Host City / Metro Area: New York/New Jersey
- The biggest match of the tournament. Expect tickets to sell fast.
Quick Tips for FIFA Fans
- Book Early on Expedia: Flights and hotels near host cities like Dallas, Miami and Seattle will fill up months in advance.
- Stay Flexible: Some fans will follow teams through multiple cities. Flexible travel dates or free cancellation options can help.
- Watch for Hospitality Offers: Bundled travel-and-ticket experiences will appear closer to the tournament but tend to sell out fast.
- Use Verified Ticket Platforms: StubHub listings include buyer protection and verified resale guarantees.
Exact Stadium Locations for Every 2026 World Cup Host City
While FIFA’s host city names are for global recognition, many stadiums are located in surrounding metro areas or neighboring cities. Here’s a full list of the host cities and the location/stadium where the game is actually being held:
FIFA World Cup United States host cities
- San Francisco: Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium
- Los Angeles: Inglewood, CA – SoFi Stadium
- Dallas: Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium
- New York/New Jersey: East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
- Kansas City: Kansas City, MO – Arrowhead Stadium
- Houston: Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
- Atlanta: Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Miami: Miami Gardens, FL – Hard Rock Stadium
- Philadelphia: Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
- Seattle: Seattle, WA – Lumen Field
FIFA World Cup Mexico host cities
- Mexico City: Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
- Guadalajara: Zapopan, Jalisco – Estadio Akron
- Monterrey: San Nicolás, Nuevo León – Estadio BBVA
FIFA World Cup Canada host cities
- Toronto: Toronto, ON – BMO Field
- Vancouver: Vancouver, BC – BC Place
Final Thoughts on the World Cup 2026
The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated sporting events in history. Whether you’re traveling to see your favorite team or just want to be part of the global celebration, now’s the time to secure your tickets and travel plans.
Check StubHub for verified resale and early listings, and Expedia for hotel and flight bundles near your preferred host cities. The earlier you book, the more you’ll save and the closer you’ll be to the action when the world’s biggest games kicks off.
FAQs
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, and ends with the final match on July 19, 2026. Games will be played in 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
When do World Cup tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales are happening in several phases. The Visa Presale Draw took place in September 2025, followed by early purchase slots in October. The next phase, the Early Ticket Draw, runs from October 27 to 31, 2025, allowing fans to apply for a lottery time slot to buy tickets. After the Final Draw on December 5, 2025, a Random Selection Draw phase will open for specific matches. A First-Come, First-Served phase will follow closer to the tournament for any remaining tickets.
Fans can register for a FIFA ID at FIFA.com to join the draws and receive updates. If your preferred match or city sells out, you can still find verified resale options on StubHub where tickets are backed by a ‘FanProtect Guarantee.’
How can fans travel between World Cup cities?
Host cities are spread across North America, so most travel will require domestic flights. Within each city, public transportation and rideshares are expected to handle increased demand. Booking flights and hotels early will help lock in better rates.
Which stadium will host the World Cup Final?
The 2026 World Cup Final takes place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so fans should monitor official FIFA sales and StubHub for verified resale options.
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