All Eyes on the Next World Cup Hosts: 11 U.S. Cities to Visit for the 2026 World Cup

All Eyes on the Next World Cup Hosts: 11 U.S. Cities to Visit for the 2026 World Cup

With the 2022 World Cup officially over, all eyes are turning to the 2026 World Cup hosts, the USA. FIFA has announced the 11 U.S. cities that will host the 2026 World Cup, so in anticipation of savvy travelers getting their plans together before the crowds, Visit The USA has created a guide of what to expect both on and off the pitch in each host city.

Boston, Massachusetts
Boston combines heritage with innovation and is a city where cobblestone streets meet new high-tech designs.

  • Where to watch the game - Gillette Stadium in the town of Foxborough, lies about halfway between the cities of Boston and Providence. Seating almost 70,000 people, it’s easy to access via public transport from the hub of Boston.
  • Where to eat - Head down memory lane and stop by the original inspiration for TV show Cheers in Beacon Hill; the pub, re-named Cheers, boasts a buzzing atmosphere and delicious cheeseburgers.
  • Off the pitch - Take in a 360-degree view of the Boston skyline and waterfront from 50 stories high at the Skywalk Observatory. 

New York City, New York

New York City

A showstopping finale requires a fitting setting and where else for the final match than NYC. This iconic city features diverse boroughs filled with independent bars and restaurants, entertainment on Broadway and in the museums, as well as instantly recognizable landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. 

  • Where to watch the game - The MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey - just five miles west of New York City, has a capacity of over 85,000 people, formerly hosting the popular U.S. Super Bowl tournament and home to the New York Giants and New York Jets NFL. 
  • Where to eat - In central Rutherford, Café Matisse is considered an institution for fine dining, or head to Matera's on Park for an old-school Italian market vibe. 
  • Off the pitch - First-timers will probably want to squeeze in a couple of the legendary sights while those more familiar with the city may want to venture beyond Manhattan taking in new restaurants and bars in Queens and Brooklyn or a trip to Governor's Island.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the first World Heritage City in the USA, is home to the nation’s most historic sites and has an abundance of cultural offerings from art to music. 

  • Where to watch the game - Lincoln Financial Stadium, also known simply as ‘The Linc’ is located in the south of Philadelphia. 
  • Where to eat - Although Philadelphia may be famed for its cheesesteak, true foodies know that the roast pork sandwich is the real deal. Don’t miss DiNic’s Roast Pork, which attracts the crowds with queues forming around its Reading Terminal Market outpost every day. 
  • Off the pitch - Home to some of the nation’s most beloved historical sites, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia is the perfect place to indulge in U.S. history. 

Miami, Florida

Miami

From endless sunshine, pristine beaches and top-rated attractions to art deco hotels and a thriving arts and culture scene, Miami has it all. 

  • Where to watch the game - As six-time Super Bowl hosts, the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida is also the proud home of the Miami Dolphins. 
  • Where to eat - Little Havana is the center of Miami’s vibrant Cuban community. You’ll find food trucks, the best Cuban sandwiches around and late-night salsa clubs like Ball & Chain, a Little Havana favorite.
  • Off the pitch - Discover the heritage of the Caribbean in Little Haiti, or the city’s Bahamian foundations in West Coconut Grove. Get immersed in the African-American experience of Historic Overtown or the thriving Miccosukee Native American community in South Dade.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta

The gateway to the South, Atlanta boasts both sweeping skylines and lush forests situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Exuding Southern charm and hospitality, the urban oasis is ready and waiting to welcome visitors.

  • Where to watch the game - The newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium is in downtown Atlanta, lending itself to exploring this immersive city.
  • Where to eat - 10 minutes from downtown in the Westside Provisions District you’ll find the former meat packing district filled with upscale restaurants like Bacchanalia, one of the top 20 restaurants in the country. 
  • Off the pitch - Film enthusiasts can enjoy an Atlanta movie tour showcasing filming sites for fan favorites like The Walking Dead, the Marvel franchise, and The Hunger Games.   

Kansas City, Missouri
Known for jazz, barbecue and fountains, Kansas City is a creative community that prides itself on good times and friendly, fun-loving people. 

  • Where to watch the game - Arrowhead Stadium has been an iconic and popular stadium in Kansas City for over five decades and is a quick 15-minute drive from the downtown precinct.
  • Where to eat - The Barbecue Capital of the World offers more than 100 barbecue restaurants from legends like Gates and Bryant’s to smaller, local favorites, such as Scott’s Kitchen.   
  • Off the pitch - Kansas City gave jazz its swing, and this rich heritage can be heard regularly at more than 40 local clubs, from The Phoenix to The Blue Room. 

Houston, Texas

Houston

Houston is overflowing with eclectic, culture-filled neighborhoods and galleries that truly showcase this stylish, foodie city.

  • Where to watch the game - The NRG Stadium in Houston is easily accessible to its neighbor Mexico City, which makes it an ideal tri-city pick alongside its sister city - Houston.
  • Where to eat - Houston has more than 10,000 restaurants, which makes it a foodie mecca. To appreciate the diversity, go for sushi at Uchi, try Oxheart to sample Texan ingredients like wild boar and persimmon sorbet, and Picos for authentic Mexican cuisine. 
  • Off the pitch - Houston has a rich blues history, and you can experience the soulful musical sound in a variety of bars and clubs. Shakespeare’s Pub is your go-to spot for blues every night of the week, with cheap but tasty beer and no cover charge. 

Dallas, Texas

Dallas

The Lonestar State is home to the Dallas Cowboys, margaritas and the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation.

  • Where to watch the game - The AT&T Stadium is a 20-minute drive west of Dallas and boasts one of the largest HD screens in the world. With its retractable roof and climate-control system, it’s a year-round sporting venue, especially popular for hosting the Super Bowl.
  • Where to eat - For those craving classic Southern comfort food, be sure to check out Bubba’s in Frisco and sample some of the very best fried chicken in town. Served on-the-bone or as tenders, add gravy dipping sauce for a true taste of Dallas. 
  • Off the pitch - Home to the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States, Dallas has Picassos, Beethoven performances and the works of Rodin. New for 2022, Klyde Warren Park is set to welcome the world’s tallest interactive fountain, coming alive with firework-like colorful light shows each evening.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle

With a thriving food-and-drink scene, eclectic neighborhoods and a stunning coastal setting, Seattle is a dynamic enclave nestled in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Where to watch the game - Located in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, the Lumen Field is home to NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. 
  • Where to eat - A city fueled by caffeine, Seattle has one of the greatest concentrations of coffee houses of any U.S. city. Among them are boutique roaster Victrola Coffee and Cloud City Coffee. Visitors can also tour Starbucks Reserve Roastery. 
  • Off the pitch - Paddle, boat, sail and fish on some of the most welcoming waters in the United States or take a whale watching tour along the Pacific coastline.

Los Angeles, California 

Los Angeles

The entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is famous for its glitz and glamour. Blessed with year-round sunshine and a vibrant cultural scene, this thriving, Southern Californian city offers much to be discovered. 

  • Where to watch the game - SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California about three miles from the center of Los Angeles, is one of the newest venues, having opened in September 2020. 
  • Where to eat - Korean and Californian culture is as intertwined as its cuisine. Sample traditional, authentic Korean food at Quarters Korean BBQ. Top picks include the traditional marinated short rib and the pork bulgogi, coated in a mildly sweet but spicy gochujang sauce.
  • Off the pitch - Explore the newly opened Academy Award Museum, located on the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax. Simultaneously immersive and entertaining, the museum offers unparalleled exhibitions and programs, bringing the world of cinema to life.

San Francisco, California 

San Francisco

San Francisco is culturally diverse and rich in its offerings of art, music, cuisine, sports and more.

  • Where to watch the game - The snazzy, 68,500-seat Levi’s Stadium located just outside the San Francisco Bay Area, in Santa Clara. Home stadium of NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers, the venue’s electric atmosphere provides the perfect surroundings for ‘World Cup worthy’ viewing. 
  • Where to eat - Venture to the Bay Area for a hotbed of diverse and affordable dining options. Home to the greatest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants in the U.S, visitors can enjoy a taste of luxury at the coveted Atelier Crenn, Benu and Quice, each boasting three Michelin stars. 
  • Off the pitch - San Francisco is filled with a multitude of culturally diverse neighborhoods;  art-lovers can explore the vibrant murals in Mission District whilst food-fanatics will be spoiled for choice in San Francisco's iconic Chinatown.