Planning a trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico? Find out why booking your flights, hotels and visas early can save you money and help you avoid travel hassles

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of the decade. The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in three countries at once - the United States, Canada and Mexico, covering 16 host cities. Already, travel experts and airlines are recording record interest in travel, and fans from around the world are urged not to delay booking flights, hotels and visas.

According to industry forecasts, late planning can result not only in high prices, but also in serious logistical difficulties.

Everything you need to know about planning a trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is told in this article.

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Record demand and sharp increase in prices during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The popularity of the World Cup has already led to a rapid increase in demand for air travel and accommodation. In major host cities, including Miami, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Dallas and Toronto, hotel prices on match dates have increased several times compared to the usual summer season.

Travel market analysts note that in some locations the cost of accommodation has increased by hundreds of percent, and flight tickets in June-July 2026 will increase in price much faster than in the standard peak season. Accommodation facilities located near the stadiums are the most popular.

In addition, industry experts note that the closer to the start of the tournament, the less choice and higher prices.

Why is early booking a real savings?

Experts advise booking flights immediately after confirming routes and match schedules. Statistics from travel planning platforms show that international flights booked 6-8 months in advance are, on average, much cheaper and have a greater choice of connections.

Early booking allows you to:

1. Choose a convenient departure time.

2. Secure a lower fare.

3. Get better cancellation or date change conditions.

4. Avoid overpayments on the eve of the final matches, in particular the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Important! It is also a good practice to enable notifications about changes in flight and hotel prices.

What awaits those who delay booking?

It is expected that by spring 2026, most hotels in the host cities will be booked. Those who wait risk:

- staying in remote suburbs;

- spending more time and money on daily travel;

- choosing more expensive or less comfortable options.

Alternatively, apartments or rental accommodation can be an option, which is often more profitable for families and large companies.

Visas and entry regulations: an important stage in the preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Planning a trip to the World Cup is not only about tickets and hotels, but also about meeting migration requirements.

- USA: Most foreign tourists will need a visa or ESTA. Due to increased demand, processing applications may take longer.

- Canada: depending on citizenship, a visitor visa or eTA is required.

- Mexico: many tourists apply for a tourist card (FMM), but it is worth checking the rules in advance.

Submitting your documents in advance will help avoid rejections, delays, and stress before your trip.

Useful tips for tourists planning a trip to the 2026 World Cup

1. Book flights as soon as sales open for the summer of 2026;

2. Consider alternative airports near the host cities;

3. Plan flexible dates, avoiding peak periods, including holidays in the United States;

4. Use price monitoring services;

5. Check visa requirements for each country on your route in advance.

Traveling Beyond Football: More Than Just the Matches

The World Cup is a great opportunity to combine football with travel. Host cities offer museums, foodie destinations, national parks, beaches and cultural events. Fans can turn a trip into a full-fledged vacation – from the historic neighborhoods of Boston to the colorful Mexico City or the California coast.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already generating unprecedented tourism demand. Early booking of flights, accommodation and visas is the key to a comfortable, safe and financially profitable trip. Delaying does not provide any advantages, but only increases costs and risks.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a trip straight to the United States, Canada and Mexico. Take care of your protection in advance.

The large influx of tourists, transfers between countries, crowded airports and intensive match schedules increase the risks of flight delays, lost luggage or unexpected medical expenses. In some countries, having travel insurance is also a mandatory or highly recommended condition of entry.

Travel insurance covers: medical assistance abroad, emergency hospitalization, flight delays or cancellations, loss or damage to luggage.

Take out travel insurance before traveling to the 2026 World Cup and focus on football, not on possible problems.

Let's remind you! Why is the US interested in Greenland? We have already talked about the geography, political status, resources of the island, the strategic importance of the Arctic, and what the largest island in the world can be interesting for tourists.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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