Explore the 16 Host Cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: A Traveler’s Guide to Must-See Spots

So, you’re heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Congrats, friend—you’re about to experience soccer fever and explore some of North America’s coolest cities. But let’s be real: between matches, you’ll want to ditch the stadium seats for hidden gems, iconic bites, and maybe a few “holy cow, this is amazing” moments. Grab your jersey and your sense of adventure—here’s your quirky, no-BS guide to all 16 host cities.

🇨🇦 Canada: Maple Syrup & Mountains

1. Vancouver, BC

• Do this: Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge and pretend you’re in Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs).

• Eat this: Stuff your face with lobster poutine at Granville Island Market. Yes, poutine can be fancy.

• Local secret: Hit Stanley Park at sunset. The ocean-meets-mountains view? Chef’s kiss.

2. Toronto, ON

• Do this: Channel your inner superhero on the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk. Spoiler: Your knees will shake.

• Eat this: Devour a peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market—Toronto’s answer to “breakfast of champions.”

• Local secret: The Distillery District at night = twinkly lights + Instagram gold.

 

🇲🇽 Mexico: Tacos, Tequila & Time Travel

3. Guadalajara

• Do this: Crash a mariachi band rehearsal in Plaza de los Mariachis. Free entertainment, folks.

• Eat this: Dive into birria (spicy stew) at Mercado San Juan de Dios. Bring napkins. Lots.

• Local secret: Day trip to Tequila Pueblo. Even if you hate tequila, the agave fields will steal your heart.

4. Monterrey

• Do this: Hike Cerro de la Silla for a selfie with the city’s iconic “saddle” mountain.

• Eat this: Cabrito (roasted goat). Sounds wild, tastes chef’s kiss.

• Local secret: Barrio Antiguo after dark = neon lights, live bands, and margaritas the size of your head.

5. Mexico City

• Do this: Float through Xochimilco’s canals on a rainbow boat. Mariachis optional (but highly recommended).

• Eat this: Tacos al pastor at El Huequito. Thank us later.

• Local secret: The Frida Kahlo Museum is cool, but the nearby Coyoacán market has killer churros.

🇺🇸 USA: From BBQ to Broadway

6. Seattle, WA

• Do this: Throw fish (or just watch) at Pike Place Market. Then caffeinate at the original Starbucks.

• Eat this: Dick’s Drive-In burgers. Cheap, greasy, and perfect at 2 a.m.

• Local secret: Kerry Park has the best view of the Space Needle. Free.00, no filter needed. 📸

7. San Francisco, CA

• Do this: Bike the Golden Gate Bridge, then stuff your face with clam chowder in a bread bowl. Priorities.

• Eat this: Tartine Bakery’s morning buns. You’ll dream about them.

• Local secret: Lands End Trail > Lombard Street. Wildflowers, ocean cliffs, and zero tourists.

 

8. Los Angeles, CA

• Do this: Hike to the Hollywood Sign (or just Uber to Griffith Observatory for the ‘gram).

• Eat this: Kogi BBQ Truck’s kimchi tacos. LA fusion at its finest.

• Local secret: Venice Beach skate park. Grab a smoothie and watch the chaos.

9. Kansas City, MO

• Do this: Lick BBQ sauce off your fingers at Joe’s Kansas City (yes, it’s in a gas station. Yes, it’s legendary).

• Eat this: Burnt ends. Just… burnt ends.

• Local secret: Green Lady Lounge for midnight jazz. Dark, moody, and oh-so-cool.

10. Dallas, TX

• Do this: Geek out at the Sixth Floor Museum (JFK history), then detox with margs at Mi Cocina.

• Eat this: Pecan Lodge brisket. Meat sweats incoming.

• Local secret: Bishop Arts District = quirky shops + rooftop bars.

11. Houston, TX

• Do this: Touch moon rocks at Space Center Houston. Channel your inner astronaut.

• Eat this: Viet-Cajun crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles. Trust us.

• Local secret: Buffalo Bayou Park at sunset. Skyline views + paddleboarding.

12. Atlanta, GA

• Do this: High-five whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium. Yes, really.

• Eat this: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s Texas-style brisket. In Georgia. Fight us.

• Local secret: Ponce City Market rooftop mini-golf. Because why not?

13. Boston, MA

• Do this: Walk the Freedom Trail, then pretend you’re a Harvard student in Cambridge.

• Eat this: Lobster roll at Neptune Oyster. Worth the line.

• Local secret: Trillium Brewing for hazy IPAs. Cheers, Patriots.

14. NYC/NJ

• Do this: Statue of Liberty selfie, then devour a $1 pizza slice. Balance is key.

• Eat this: Katz’s Deli pastrami sandwich. It’s a religious experience.

• Local secret: Roosevelt Island Tram at sunset. Views without the crowds.

15. Philadelphia, PA

• Do this: Run up the “Rocky Steps”, then argue about who makes the best cheesesteak (Pat’s vs. Geno’s).

• Eat this: Reading Terminal Market pretzels. Carb-load like a champ.

• Local secret: Magic Gardens—a mosaic wonderland that’s trippy AF.

16. Miami, FL

• Do this: South Beach people-watching. Neon bikinis, rollerbladers, and all the drama.

• Eat this: Cubano sandwich in Little Havana. Order with a cafecito.

• Local secret: Wynwood Walls for street art that’ll make your feed pop.

Final Whistle ⚽
Whether you’re here for the goals, the guacamole, or just the vibes, these cities are ready to blow your mind. Got a tip we missed? Slide into the comments—we’re all in this chaotic, beautiful travel game together. Now go forth, eat weird food, take terrible selfies, and please don’t forget sunscreen.

P.S. If you spot a celebrity in LA, tell them we said hi.