Top Matches of the World Cup 2026

Follow the stars & stripes: Team USA

The US Men’s National Team will spend their entire group stage on the West Coast, creating a perfect opportunity for a “Pacific Coast Highway” soccer tour.

• June 12: Opening Match vs. Paraguay (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles)

• June 19: Match 2 vs. Australia (Lumen Field, Seattle)

• June 25: Group Finale vs. UEFA Play-off Winner (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles)

Both SoFi in LA and Lumen Field in Seattle are centrally located, urban stadiums, which gives you fantastic opportunities to make the World Cup just one part of a well-integrated trip.

In Los Angeles, you'll find SoFi Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue designed for an unparalleled fan experience. The stadium boasts the massive, double-sided, 4K HDR “Oculus” video board suspended from the roof, providing stunning views from every seat. Beyond the action on the pitch, SoFi is part of a larger entertainment complex, Hollywood Park, which includes retail, dining, and public spaces for pre- and post-match activities.

Before a match, visit the beaches of Santa Monica or Venice, or dive into the Hollywood experience with a studio tour. After the games, the vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene of areas like Downtown LA, West Hollywood, or nearby Manhattan Beach offer endless opportunities for celebration and relaxation.

Consider staying at Palihotel, located in Culver City (approx. 15–20 min ride). It’s in a very walkable “work-play” district with trendy restaurants and the Culver Studios nearby.

Seattle: The Emerald City atmosphere

Seattle is known for having the most passionate soccer culture in the US Lumen Field offers a unique atmosphere with its distinctive “Lumen Field Effect,” a design that traps crowd noise and creates an electric environment for matches.

The must-see matches:

• Belgium vs. Egypt (June 15). Seeing Mohamed Salah take on the Belgian “Golden Generation” in the raucous Lumen Field will be an unforgettable experience for any fan.

• USA vs. Australia (June 19). Match 2 will give us an early temperature of how Team USA will fare within the larger set.

Beyond the soccer action, visitors can explore iconic tourist sights such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the original Starbucks, all within a short distance of the stadium. The city’s scenic waterfront, ferry access to Bainbridge Island, and the vibrant dining and nightlife of the Capitol Hill and Ballard neighborhoods also offer fantastic off-the-pitch entertainment.

Note: Hotel inventory in Seattle is low and disappearing quickly! Consider staying at the Thompson, a fantastic choice for travelers who want to be in the absolute center of the action while maintaining a high level of contemporary style. It’s a 10 minute ride or 25 minute walk from Lumen Field.

Philadelphia: History meets the pitch

The City of Brotherly Love will be the place to be for European and South American heavyweights, with matches hosted at Lincoln Financial Field. Known affectionately as "The Linc," this state-of-the-art stadium offers a premium viewing experience. The stadium is known for its commitment to sustainability, utilizing wind turbines and solar panels.

• The must-see: Brazil vs. Haiti (June 19). There is no ticket more coveted in world soccer than a Brazil match.

• The "special event" match: Round of 16 (July 4). Philadelphia will host a knockout match on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—an extra dash of patriotism for Americans, regardless of who makes it to this round!

Beyond the match, the stadium's location in South Philadelphia offers a classic sports complex atmosphere, but for a true tourist experience, guests will want to explore the city's historical and cultural attractions. Historic Philadelphia is just a short trip away, where visitors can walk the cobbled streets and visit Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed) and the Liberty Bell. Art lovers can visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its steps (and the Rocky statue nearby), and the world-class collections at the Barnes Foundation.

The city is also a culinary destination, with the Reading Terminal Market offering a diverse array of local and international foods, and of course, no visit is complete without sampling an authentic Philly Cheesesteak from one of the iconic South Philly establishments.

Consider staying at Kimpton Hotel Palomar on Rittenhouse Square, the city's most beautiful park. It’s surrounded by the city’s best al fresco dining and luxury boutiques, and you can take the Broad Line to get to the stadium in 15 minutes.

Kansas City: The heartland’s heavyweights

Kansas City proved it’s a world-class soccer city by landing some of the biggest names in the draw. The matches will be hosted at Arrowhead Stadium, home to the loudest fans in the NFL, which promises a world-class atmosphere for the World Cup. The tailgating culture around Arrowhead is legendary, offering a vibrant pre-match party scene that is sure to be adopted by international fans.

• The must-see: Argentina vs. Algeria (June 16). The reigning world champions and Lionel Messi (if he suits up) will take over the Midwest.

• The blockbuster: Quarterfinal Match (July 11). KC will host one of the prestigious Quarterfinal matches, likely featuring two top-10 teams in the world.

After the final whistle, fans can head downtown to The Power & Light District for Kansas City's premier entertainment hub with numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues. For a taste of the city's rich culture and history, visitors can explore the 18th & Vine Jazz District, home to the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, or visit the world-renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, known for its iconic outdoor shuttlecocks.

No trip is complete without sampling authentic Kansas City Barbecue at iconic spots like Arthur Bryant's and Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Q. Finally, Crown Center offers a large complex with shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions like SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Consider staying at the Raphael on the Plaza, an elegant, historic hotel walkable to dozens of fountains, high-end shops, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Houston: The international hub

Houston’s NRG Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility in Houston, stands out as the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof, allowing for climate control during the hot summer World Cup matches. Its massive seating capacity and proximity to the Houston Astrodome (the "Eighth Wonder of the World"), make it a historical sports complex. The stadium is part of NRG Park, offering expansive tailgating and fan-fest areas.

• The must-see: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (June 23). This could potentially be one of the final World Cup appearances for Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

• Bonus: Germany kicks off their tournament here on June 14 against Curaçao—expect a huge traveling contingent of German fans.

Beyond the stadium, visitors can easily explore Houston's cultural side by heading to the nearby Museum District, home to 19 diverse institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Right next door, Hermann Park offers a green urban oasis with the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre. For a unique experience, a trip to NASA Space Center Houston is a must. Shoppers can find world-class retail at The Galleria, while the neighborhoods of Montrose, Midtown, and Downtown provide vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options. Those looking for a longer excursion can take a day trip to Galveston Island for beaches and the historic Pleasure Pier.

Consider staying at Hotel Saint Augustine in the Montrose District—you’ll have a plethora of museums at your front doorstep and be tucked away in arty bungalows, but still walkable to the Metro Rail to skip traffic and get to the stadium in 15 minutes.

“Match Passes” for specific cities are often more cost-effective than individual tickets. If you want to stay in one city and see 4–5 games, Philadelphia and Houston offer some of the most diverse group-stage matchups!

As your travel advisor, I can help with booking you at the right hotel for your trip, bringing my insider expertise (knowing the difference between a Pitchside Lounge pass and a FIFA Pavilion ticket), and can help with accessing exclusive FIFA experiences.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our USA page.