The football fan’s guide to the USA, Canada and Mexico

Planning your holiday around the football in 2026? This year, the world’s biggest international football tournament is the first to be co-hosted in three countries – the USA, Canada and Mexico, which means there are some exciting travel experiences to be had across a total of 16 host cities. 

To help you plan, we’ve covered important venue and opening match details in each host city, including where you’ll need to be for a chance to see the cup winners crowned in the world final match, plus lots of ideas for things to do while you’re there – both football-related and beyond. 

We’ve also included what currency you’ll need to take depending on which destination you’re heading to, so you can buy your travel money before you set off.

Football tournament host cities in the USA

There are a total of 11 host cities in the USA for this year’s world football tournament. That’s Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey – which is the location of the final – Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco Bay Area.

We’ve pulled out some highlights in each city below so you can get the most out of your visit, whenever you plan to visit. Whichever US city you’re heading to, you’ll need to buy US dollars for your trip to America if you want cash to hand while you’re there.

Visit Seattle, Washington

Seattle will host six matches as part of the 2026 tournament, with the first match – Belgium vs Egypt – set for June 15th. Seattle Stadium, better known as Lumen Field, is in the SoDo neighborhood, about a mile from downtown Seattle. There are lots of major attractions within walking distance, like Pioneer Square – Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood – and Pike Place Market. Bring cash for the latter, as it’s packed with food stalls.

Visit San Francisco Bay Area, California

Hot on the heels of hosting the Super Bowl LX earlier in 2026, the San Francisco Bay Area will host six matches at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California – usually the home field for the San Francisco 49ers. The first match is on June 13th, and the last – a knockout game – is scheduled for July 1st. The stadium runs tours all year round and is right next door to a theme park, Great America, that packs in more than 50 rides and a waterpark. A little further away in San Jose, Santana Row is a shopper’s paradise with designer stores spread across more than 40 acres.

Visit Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles will host eight matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood as part of the 2026 tournament, starting with USA v Paraguay on June 12th. This state-of-the-art stadium opened in 2020 and is known for its huge, double-sided infinity screen, which allows for immersive viewing. It’s right next to Hollywood Park Casino and Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, and only a five-minute drive from LAX airport.

Visit Dallas, Texas

Dallas is set to host nine matches as part of the 2026 tournament at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with the first match set for June 14th. England will play their first match here against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17th at 9PM GMT. One of the biggest stadiums in the National Football League and home of the Dallas Cowboys, it’s known for its huge centre-hung video screen and retractable roof. The stadium sits between Dallas and Fort Worth, with Texas Live! – a lively entertainment district packed with bars and restaurants – right next door. A little further away, downtown Dallas is home to attractions like Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum.

Visit Houston, Texas

Houston will host seven matches at NRG Stadium, home to the Houston Texans, with the first match scheduled for June 14th. The venue is close to Hermann Park, Houston Zoo and the Museum District, so there’s plenty to do within walking distance. And downtown Houston is a 10-minute drive away, with a thriving food scene, rooftop bars and a climate-controlled underground walkway that connects all the shops and cafés.

Visit Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City will host six tournament matches at Arrowhead Stadium, with the first match set for June 16th featuring Argentina. The venue – home of the Kansas City Chiefs – holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest outdoor stadium, which experts put down to the stadium’s noise-amplifying seating bowl design. It’s a short drive from downtown, where you can make the most of the city’s famous barbecue spots – this is considered the BBQ capital of the Midwest, after all. Bring dollars to leave a tip – around 15-20% of the bill is considered polite in the US if you’re eating a sit-down meal.

Visit Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, starting from June 15th between Spain and Cape Verde and including a semi-final. Opened in 2017, the stadium is known for its retractable roof and huge, halo-style video board. It’s in downtown Atlanta, so you can walk to big attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park. It’s also connected to the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile trail that circles Downtown and Midtown Atlanta and makes it easy to explore the area’s neighbourhoods and parks.

Visit New York/New Jersey

The New York/New Jersey region will host eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with the first match scheduled for June 13th. This is also where the 2026 cup winners will be crowned at the world final on July 19th, so if you’re in the area during this timeframe you’re in for a treat. Football aside, the stadium is about five miles west of Manhattan, New York City. That means landmarks like Times Square, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty are within reach, as well as food markets in Brooklyn and some serious shopping opportunities at Fifth Avenue and SoHo.

Visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia will host six matches at Lincoln Financial Field, starting on June 14th. Home to the Philadelphia Eagles, the stadium is in south Philadelphia on the banks of the Delaware River. Head into the city centre and you’ve got historic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to tick off, along with Reading Terminal Market, which is packed with food stalls. While most vendors here accept credit cards, you’re likely to find some cash-only vendors so it’s a good idea to have some US dollars to hand.

Visit Boston, Massachusetts

Boston will host seven matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with the first match – Haiti vs Scotland – set for June 13th. Located around 30 miles from downtown Boston, the stadium is part of Patriot Place – a shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants and shops. In the city, visitors can walk the Freedom Trail or explore neighbourhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay. The waterfront area offers boat tours and seafood dining, while nearby Cambridge is home to Harvard University and historic campuses.

Visit Miami, Florida

Miami will host seven matches at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, starting on June 15th and including the third-place playoff. As well as being a venue for major sporting events including six Super Bowls, the multi-purpose stadium has hosted artists like Beyonce, the Rolling Stones and U2. It’s a short drive from central Miami, where you’ll find South Beach, the Art Deco District and Wynwood Walls – Miami’s famous outdoor street art museum.

Football tournament host cities in Canada

Planning a trip to Canada? Toronto and Vancouver play a starring role in this year’s tournament, and both Canadian cities are packed with things to do all year round. Take a look at the key match info for each city below, as well as some of the highlights to add to your travel itinerary. And don’t forget you can buy Canadian dollars before you go, so you’ve already got your travel money sorted when you arrive.

Visit Toronto

Toronto will host six matches at BMO Field, with the first match scheduled for June 12th when Canada takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina. This waterfront stadium, which has been expanded for the tournament, is usually home to Toronto FC. Nearby, Exhibition Place has plenty of open green space, and the CN Tower – one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks – is a short trip away. So is Toronto’s Distillery District, a cluster of cobbled streets, cafés and boutique shops in restored heritage buildings. Bring some Canadian dollars if you’re heading to smaller food stalls or local markets in the area, as cards aren’t always accepted.

Visit Vancouver

Vancouver will host seven matches at BC Place, starting on June 13th with Australia vs Turkey. The stadium is within walking distance of Gastown and Yaletown, both full of restaurants and bars, and Stanley Park – which is packed with walking trails, beaches and lakes. The seawall is another highlight – you can walk or cycle this 28-kilometre path, which stretches from Coal Harbour to Spanish Banks Beach, and soak up the incredible views of the North Shore Mountains, Salish Sea and Vancouver's skyline along the way.

Football tournament host cities in Mexico

Heading to Mexico? The bustling cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City – the country’s capital – all host tournament matches in 2026, giving you even more reasons to visit. If you’re planning to travel here, take a look at some of the top attractions in each location below. And while you’re planning ahead, buy Mexican pesos to take with you – saving you time when you arrive.

Visit Mexico City

Mexico City hosts the opening match of the 2026 tournament at Estadio Azteca on June 11th, where Mexico will play South Africa. One of the most iconic venues in football and the biggest stadium in Latin America, Estadio Azteca previously hosted the finals in 1970 and 1986 and has been revamped for the 2026 event. About 15 kilometres south of the city centre in Coyoacán, it’s close to Xochimilco’s canals and the Frida Kahlo Museum. The historic centre – which you can get to via the metro – is home to must-visits like the Zocalo, Mexico City’s bustling main square.

Visit Guadalajara

The Mexican city of Guadalajara will host four matches at Estadio Akron, starting on June 11th with South Korea playing their opening Group A match. The stadium is famous for its volcano-inspired design and grass-covered exterior, and it’s not directly linked to the city centre by public transport – so a bit of forward-planning is a good idea if you’re planning to explore beyond the stadium. Don’t miss Mercado San Juan de Dios – it’s the biggest indoor market in the Americas,and packed with food and craft stalls  – and make sure you’ve got some Mexican pesos to hand, as not every vendor accepts card payments.

Visit Monterrey

The Mexican city of Monterrey will host four matches at Estadio BBVA, starting with a group stage fixture on June 14th. The metallic-clad stadium is often referred to as ‘El Gigante de Acero’ – The Steel Giant – and it’s in stark contrast to its picturesque mountain backdrop. Nearby, the vast Fundidora Park is home to gardens, lakes, museums and amusement parks, and the city centre is the place to head for restaurants and rooftop bars – you can take a direct bus to get there in about 30 minutes.

Buying currency with M&S Travel Money

Whether you need US dollars, Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos, it’s easy to order foreign currency online for free collection from 580+ participating M&S stores*. Plus, if you get back with leftover travel money, you can also sell currency back to us*. Not sure which currency to take? Read our quick-reference guide to what currency you need for the football in 2026.

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Selected stores only.