This year’s FIFA World Cup is set to make history – and with it comes a prime opportunity for a unique travel experience. For the first time, there will be three countries hosting: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Many fans dream of the opportunity to plan a trip and watch their team compete in a championship of this magnitude, and with three countries to explore, this may be the perfect opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Whether you're planning a dream vacation or sport-specific travel, you'll want to make sure you have a travel medical insurance plan to protect your health abroad.
Where is the next World Cup being hosted? - With 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 cities hosting games in 3 separate countries – this will be the most expansive World Cup tournament to date.
Host Cities Include:- United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City area, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay area, Seattle
- Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
When is the next World Cup? - The World Cup begins June 11th in Mexico City and wraps up on July 19th just outside of New York City.
How to Plan a FIFA World Cup Vacation - Whether you are just visiting one city or planning to travel across North America to see as many games as possible, there will be plenty of downtime to explore. The host cities include a variety of cultures, cuisines, and iconic landmarks. In New York City, check out the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, explore ancient Aztec ruins in the heart of Mexico City at Templo Mayor, or take in the panoramic city views at CN Tower in Toronto. With 16 locations, there is plenty to do, and even more if you consider day trips outside of those host cities. Niagara Falls, California Wine Country, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are all within reach.
What documents do I need for World Cup entry? - With games across three separate countries, logistics could get complicated. Before you go, consider the entry requirements for each nation. No matter which country you visit, you will need:
- a valid (unexpired) passport and
- a valid (unexpired) visa, travel authorization (e.g. eTA for Canada, or ESTA for USA, if eligible for visa waiver travel), or visa exception (if eligible).
If you are traveling to the U.S., you can opt in for the FIFA PASS, which allows 2026 ticket holders the opportunity to get an expedited visa interview if needed. Details are on FIFA’s website, along with further specifics about entry requirements for each country.
Car Rental and Public Transportation for the World Cup -Plan ahead for transportation, as options vary widely depending on which city you’re in. Large public transportation systems exist in major cities like New York City, Toronto, and Mexico City, but in smaller cities, you may need to rely more on rental cars or rideshares.
Accommodations will go fast, especially in high-demand cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Book early to avoid a last-minute scramble for flights and hotels.
Do I need travel insurance for the World Cup? - When traveling internationally, it is always a smart choice to purchase travel medical insurance. There are Visitor Insurance plans specific to those traveling to North America. These types of plans are designed to ensure travelers have access to necessary medical care and financial protection during their stay should the unexpected happen. Nobody plans to get sick or injured while traveling on vacation, but it can happen. Medical emergencies can result in expensive bills, particularly in the U.S. where healthcare costs are higher than the worldwide average. Plans like IMG’s Patriot America Plus or Visitors Preferred offer customizable coverage levels to help cover the cost of unexpected medical bills and other emergencies. Get a quote today.