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Now is the perfect time to fulfill a dream you’ve chased for years – set off on a football journey across North America. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicking off this summer, it’s worth crossing the Atlantic to see one of the greatest international sports events in person. The experience will be twice as exciting for those making predictions on match outcomes, since the best betting sites offer more favorable odds and diverse markets for live games. Ready to pack your bags? Let’s consider everything you should know to arrange a memorable football journey across North America.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Format, Dates & Venues
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the 23rd edition of the quadrennial international football tournament contested by the national teams of FIFA’s member associations. It was significantly expanded compared to previous years, promising fans even more action this summer.
2026 marks the first time the World Cup is hosted by 16 cities across three countries – Canada, Mexico, and the US. The number of teams was also increased from 32 to 48: 16 from Europe, 10 from Africa, 9 from Asia, 6 from North America, 6 from South America, and 1 from Oceania. This way, we’ll see not 64 but 104 matches in total. Here’s when and where the FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place:
| Stage | Dates | Matches | Venues |
| Group stage | June 11-27 | 72 | All 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States |
| Round of 32 | June 28 – July 3 | 16 | All 16 host cities except Guadalajara and Monterrey |
| Round of 16 | July 4-7 | 8 | Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle |
| Quarter-finals | July 9-11 | 4 | Boston, Dallas, Kansas City, Miami |
| Semifinals | July 14-15 | 2 | Atlanta, Dallas |
| Third-place play-off | July 18 | 1 | Miami (Hard Rock Stadium) |
| Final | July 19 | 1 | New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) |
From Bangor to the World Cup: Arriving in North America
For football fans from Bangor, the journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 requires some planning. But even though our city doesn’t have an international airport, it’s not difficult to reach North America through nearby transport hubs. The key is to determine your primary departure venue and the city where you want to arrive. Here are the best routes many travelers choose:
The Dublin Route
The city offers direct flights to major World Cup venues (e.g., New York, Boston, and Toronto). The road to Dublin Airport takes 1.5-2 hours by car, bus, or train, which makes it the fastest and easiest transportation option for Irish football fans. Another great advantage is that the airport features a US Preclearance facility, allowing you to clear US immigration and customs before departure. This saves hours on arrival.
The Great Britain Route
Fly from Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow or Manchester Airport – the flights are short and take 1-1.5 hours. From there, you can get on a wide range of direct long-haul flights to different World Cup cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Toronto, and more. This route is ideal if Dublin doesn’t have suitable timings for your chosen host city.
The European Route
The route implies traveling to large European cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Frankfurt and then flying to North America from local international airports. The option is the most suitable for those attending World Cup matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey. However, it involves longer travel time and extra connections.
Exploring Host Cities between World Cup Matches
A North American journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is not only about football – exploring its host cities can help you familiarize yourself with local culture and have a lot of fun between the matches. From the vibrant streets of Mexico City with its world-famous tacos to the vibrant Miami nightlife, every venue offers its unique charm. Check out some good ideas of what you can do in every World Cup host city:
▪ Atlanta, USA: visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
▪ Boston, USA: enjoy fresh seafood in Quincy Market and walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail to see the most significant sites from American history.
▪ Dallas, USA: explore the Arts District filled with neat restaurants, pubs, museums, galleries, public parks, and more.
▪ Houston, USA: immerse yourself in the future, present, and past of space exploration at Space Center Houston.
▪ Kansas City, USA: try the world-famous Kansas City burnt ends at a local smokehouse.
▪ Los Angeles, USA: take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and relax at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
▪ Miami, USA: party in South Beach, the busiest and most famous neighborhood in Miami.
▪ New York/New Jersey, USA: see the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park.
▪ Philadelphia, USA: view the historic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and then test your fitness by running up the famous “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
▪ San Francisco Bay Area: walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy the stunning panoramic views from Alcatraz Island.
▪ Seattle, USA: go to the top of the Space Needle that soars 605 feet above the city.
▪ Guadalajara, Mexico: explore the lush green spaces in the Parque Mirador Independencia and get into nature in the Los Colomos Forest.
▪ Mexico City, Mexico: enjoy authentic street tacos, explore the historic city center, and drift through the Xochimilco Canals in a colorful wooden boat.
▪ Monterrey, Mexico: take a trip to the stunning Santa Catarina Canyon and surrounding mountains.
▪ Toronto, Canada: try EdgeWalk at the CN Tower, a 553.3-meter communications and observation tower located in downtown Toronto.
▪ Vancouver, Canada: explore Stanley Park, one of the most beautiful urban parks in North America.
Tips for an Enjoyable North America Football Journey
These practical tips will help you avoid common travel problems and get the most out of your North American football adventure:
● Book flights, accommodation, and match tickets in advance to secure the best prices
● Pack light if you’re going to visit several host cities
● Keep digital and printed copies of important documents
● Use public transport on matchdays to avoid traffic jams and expensive parking near stadiums
● Download useful apps (e.g., FIFA+, Uber/Lyft, Google Translate, and Citymapper)
● Respect local culture and laws