World Cup 2026 is the first tournament played across three countries and 16 host cities, from Mexico City to Toronto and Vancouver. That makes it the most exciting World Cup ever for travelling fans — and the most complicated to plan. You will need to think about visas, flights between cities, and how far apart the stadiums really are. This guide covers the essentials: entry requirements, flight strategy, and how to move around once you are there.

Visas and entry requirements

Start with entry requirements early, because they take time. Visitors to the United States usually need either a visa or an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, depending on their nationality. Canada has its own system, with an eTA for many visa-exempt travellers, and Mexico has separate entry rules. If your trip covers matches in two or three countries, you may need separate authorisations for each one. Check the official government websites for your nationality well in advance, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Booking flights: plan around your team's schedule

The 16 host cities are spread across a continent, so flights are part of the experience. Distances are huge: Miami to Vancouver is a six-hour flight, and Mexico City to Toronto is around five hours. Book flights as soon as the match schedule and your team's group are confirmed, because prices rise fast once fans start booking. Consider flying into a major hub and using domestic flights between host cities. Budget airlines can save money, but check baggage allowances carefully, since you will be carrying kit for several weeks.

Getting between host cities

Within the USA, domestic flights are usually the fastest way to move between host cities, but some pairs of cities are close enough for a train or a long drive. New York and Philadelphia are about two hours apart by train, while Boston and New York are around four hours. In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver are a five-hour flight apart. In Mexico, the three host cities are connected by domestic flights of one to two hours. For the final, many fans will base themselves in New York and use trains to reach the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Where to stay: base cities beat constant moving

Moving hotels every two days is exhausting and expensive. A smarter strategy is to pick one or two base cities and travel out for matches. For example, base yourself in Dallas and you can reach Houston by a short flight, or base yourself in Los Angeles and cover the west coast games. Book accommodation early: hotels near stadiums sell out months ahead, and prices spike during the tournament. Apartments and short-term rentals can be good value for groups, but check the location and the cancellation policy before you book.

Money, phones and staying connected

The USA and Canada use dollars, Mexico uses pesos, and card payments are widely accepted in all three countries — but carry some cash for small vendors and fan zones. Roaming charges can be expensive, so consider a local SIM card or an eSIM for the country you spend most time in, and download offline maps before you travel. Keep digital copies of your passport, tickets, visa approvals and accommodation bookings, and store them separately from the originals. A portable charger is essential on match days, when you will be using your phone for tickets, maps and photos all day.

Match-day travel: arrive early, plan your exit

On match days, arrive at the stadium at least two to three hours before kick-off. Security checks are thorough, bag policies are strict, and queues can be long. Use official fan shuttles and public transport where they are provided, and agree a meeting point with your group in case phones lose signal in a packed stadium. After the match, expect crowds and delays: many fans stay in the fan zones rather than rushing for transport. Above all, build rest days into your trip — a World Cup across three countries is a marathon, not a sprint.