The countdown to the FIFA 2026 World Cup is on. On June 11, the world’s biggest football competition will kick off in Mexico City with one of the hosts, Mexico, taking on South Africa. Following that, 48 national teams will play 104 games across the US, Mexico, and Canada. This epic geographic spread of the competition makes it perfect for any fan of the sport who enjoys travelling. If this describes you, now’s the right time to think about which of the three host countries you want to spend the most time in. Let’s help you by looking closer at what solo travellers can expect in each destination, from accommodation to match access.
Solo Travel Experience in the US
The US offers the most flexibility during the World Cup for any traveller. The country will host the majority of the matches, including the game that’ll determine the next world champion. The finals will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. There’s no doubt that all eyes will be on the event and that the game will be a huge spectacle. Many fans are already trying to predict which country will win it all, with the best betting sites outside GamStop favoring Spain, England, and France at the moment.
But before the finals, 77 games will be played across 11 cities, including New York/New Jersey, Dallas, and Atlanta. This spread of host cities is ideal for those who want to see as much of the US as possible during the tournament. You can choose to base yourself in one city and travel for key games you want to watch, or follow a team as the tournament progresses.
When it comes to accommodation, all kinds of options are available in the US, but it’s a good idea to book it in advance. Given how many people will visit the country during the tournament, it’s expected that prices will rise quickly.
All in all, the US is a great option as the country will host the majority of the games, including all games from the quarterfinals and onwards. If you’re travelling for football first and want maximum choice in matches, cities, and travel routes, you can’t go wrong with visiting the US for the duration of the tournament.
Solo Travel Experience in Canada
Canada offers a slightly different rhythm than the US and can be appealing to solo travellers who prefer things a bit calmer between matchdays. The country will host 13 World Cup games across two cities, Toronto and Vancouver. Both cities are well set up for visitors travelling alone. Public transport works smoothly, it’s easy to get around the neighbourhoods on foot, and, like in the US, English is the primary language, which removes most friction for international fans.
If you’ve already been to a major city in the US, Toronto will feel quite similar, but with things moving at a slightly slower pace. Accommodation options range from downtown hotels to short-term rentals in residential areas, which you can access using the metro. This means you can stay outside the city centre without feeling cut off from all the action. Vancouver offers slightly more scenery, making it a great destination for those who want to combine football with walking along the waterfront or taking short trips outside the city.
With fewer games being played in Canada, you can expect fewer crowds and getting tickets might be easier compared to US games. So, if you prefer structure, predictability, and a quieter base to follow the World Cup from, Canada stands out as a great option.
Solo Travel Experience in Mexico
The difference between the US and Canada isn’t that great, but Mexico brings a completely different energy to the World Cup experience. Matches will be hosted in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, cities that already know how to host major football events. For solo travellers, the country may feel intense at first, but that intensity can also make the trip one of the most memorable travel experiences.
Mexico City, where the opening match will be played, is a city that rewards curiosity. Public transport covers most areas you might be interested in, and neighbourhoods popular among tourists are lively without feeling overwhelming. You can visit numerous late-night cafés and street food vendors, where you’re guaranteed to come across locals who are ready to talk about football. Guadalajara and Monterrey offer a similar experience, but at a slightly slower pace.
Another good thing about Mexico is that accommodation prices should be more forgiving, especially compared to the US. This can make it easier to move between cities without stretching your budget too far. Just make sure to plan ahead and find reliable transport options.
Moving Between Host Countries
Depending on what you want your World Cup experience to be like, you can also choose to visit two or even all three countries during the tournament. This is a realistic goal, as flights between the US, Canada, and Mexico are frequent, but prices may rise quickly for the duration of the World Cup. If you choose something like this, booking early and limiting unnecessary movement is a smart idea.
It’s also important to keep in mind that crossing borders also means dealing with visas, entry requirements and airport wait times. The US is definitely the most demanding in this regard, while Canada and Mexico tend to be more relaxed for short stays. Regardless of where you’re going, it’s important to deal with all the documents in advance.
Another option is to base yourself in one city and make one or two carefully planned side trips. Think about the games you want to see the most, and plan your entire trip accordingly.
The Bottom Line
There’s no right answer to which country to visit for the 2026 World Cup. It all comes down to what fits the way you travel the best and which games you want to see. Start from there and plan the rest of the stay in North America from there. The tournament lasts for over a month, giving you enough time to settle into the rhythm and visit all the places you find interesting.