World Cup 2026 Travel Guide
Everything you need to know to plan your World Cup adventure across three countries and 16 amazing cities.
Visa & Entry Requirements
With matches in three countries, understanding entry requirements is essential.
United States
ESTA (Visa Waiver)
Citizens of 40 countries can apply for ESTA online. Valid for 2 years, $21 fee.
B-1/B-2 Visa
Required for countries not in Visa Waiver Program. Apply at US Embassy.
Apply early! Processing times may increase due to World Cup demand.
Mexico
Tourist Card (FMM)
Many nationalities can get this on arrival. Valid for 180 days.
Visa Required
Some countries need a visa. Check with Mexican Embassy.
US visa holders often qualify for visa-free entry to Mexico.
Canada
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Required for visa-exempt countries flying to Canada. $7 CAD, valid 5 years.
Visitor Visa
Required for some countries. Apply online or at Visa Application Centre.
US citizens don't need eTA, just a valid passport.
Cross-Border Travel Tips
Planning to catch matches in multiple countries? Here's what you need to know.
🇺🇸↔️🇲🇽 USA ↔ Mexico
- ✓Direct flights between all major cities (2-4 hours)
- ✓Land crossings at San Diego/Tijuana and other border cities
- !Border wait times can be 1-3 hours; consider SENTRI/Global Entry
- ℹCBX bridge in Tijuana connects to San Diego airport directly
🇺🇸↔️🇨🇦 USA ↔ Canada
- ✓Flights from US hubs to Toronto/Vancouver (2-5 hours)
- ✓Amtrak trains from Seattle to Vancouver (4 hours)
- ✓Drive from Seattle to Vancouver (2.5 hours + border)
- ℹNEXUS card speeds up land border crossings
Budget Planning
Estimated daily costs by city (excluding match tickets).
| City | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $150-200/day | $300-500/day | $700+/day |
| Miami / LA / San Francisco | $120-180/day | $250-400/day | $600+/day |
| Other US Cities | $100-150/day | $200-350/day | $500+/day |
| Mexico City | $50-80/day | $100-200/day | $350+/day |
| Guadalajara / Monterrey | $40-70/day | $80-150/day | $300+/day |
| Toronto / Vancouver | $100-150/day | $200-350/day | $500+/day |
* Estimates include accommodation, meals, and local transport. Prices may increase during the tournament.
Sample Multi-City Itineraries
Ideas for combining multiple host cities in one trip.
East Coast Classic
7-10 days
- 1New York (3-4 days) - Final venue
- 2Philadelphia (2 days) - 2hr train
- 3Boston (2-3 days) - 4hr train
Mexico Explorer
7-10 days
- 1Mexico City (3-4 days) - Opening
- 2Guadalajara (2-3 days) - 1hr flight
- 3Monterrey (2 days) - 1hr flight
Pacific Coast
10-14 days
- 1Los Angeles (3 days)
- 2San Francisco (3 days) - 1hr flight
- 3Seattle (2-3 days) - 2hr flight
- 4Vancouver (2-3 days) - 3hr drive
Ready to Start Planning?
Explore each host city in detail to find the perfect destinations for your World Cup adventure.