If you're planning to turn your match day ticket into a holiday, here's how to team those key matches with the best places to stay, easiest routes to the stadiums and a few must‑do experiences along the way.
Accommodation Tips for the 2026 World Cup
Big tournaments mean big demand for hotels - especially in and around host cities - so it’s worth having a game plan before you book. A few simple tricks can help you lock in great places to stay, without losing flexibility if your travel plans change.
• Book flexible stays where you can
Snap up a refundable hotel as early as possible, then tweak your plans once kick‑off times, travel routes and any extra matches are confirmed.
• Prioritise the city over the stadium
Most World Cup stadiums sit outside the main centre, so basing yourself downtown usually means better public transport, more bars and restaurants, and easier sightseeing on non‑match days.
• Think about split stays
Following your team across a couple of games? Consider dividing your trip between two cities, to cut down on travel time and make the World Cup journey feel like a mini tour.
• Look just beyond the hotspots
Prices tend to spike fastest in the most famous central districts, but nearby areas on the same metro or commuter lines can offer much better value. Just ensure you’ve got an easy route to the stadium and the main sights.
Boston: The Cradle of Liberty
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is home to cobbled streets, leafy parks, waterfront walkways and world-famous universities.
There’s actually no matches being played in Boston itself - they’ll take place at the 65,000-seater stadium in Foxborough. With the town having just 19,000 inhabitants, it’ll be too small for all the footie fans to stay over. So staying in Boston and catching the train to the game will be the most sensible option.
Flights from the UK: Direct from London or Edinburgh. Otherwise indirect via London, Dublin**, and other European hubs.
Key matches:
• England vs Ghana
• Haiti vs Scotland
• Scotland vs Morocco
Stadium: Boston Stadium, Foxborough (22 miles from downtown Boston)
How to get here: MBTA Commuter Rail from South Station to Foxboro (journey time around 40 minutes). Expect to pay $20pp return.
Good to know: Special trains run for matches and events. Tickets for these trains can only be purchased in advance through the MBTA m-ticket app.
Deciding where to stay? If you want convenience then pick a hotel near Boston Common, or Chinatown, to be within walking distance of South Station. Cheaper stays can be found close to the airport, as well as the Newmarket area. If you choose the latter you’ll have an out-of-town shopping centre on your doorstep, rather than big city vibes.
Other things to do while you’re in Boston:
• Hop on a trolley bus tour of the Old Town.
• Take a harbour cruise - choose between classic sightseeing and whale watching.
• Join a tour of Harvard led by a student.
• Sample the local favourites of clam chowder and craft beer.
Dallas: Cowboy Country Meets Soccer
Dallas might not be the first US city that springs to mind for a football trip - but for England fans, Texas is where the journey begins.
England's opening game against Croatia will be played at Dallas Stadium, a huge, modern arena in Arlington that’s used to hosting some of the biggest events in American sport.
Flights from the UK: Direct from London Heathrow. The best indirect options are via London, Dublin**, and major USA hubs***.
Key matches:
• England vs Croatia
• 1st Semi‑final
Stadium: Dallas Stadium in Arlington, 18 miles west of downtown Dallas
How to get here: Normally Texans travel to the game by car. Organisers are planning to hire in 120 buses for dedicated World Cup shuttles, but exact details are still TBC.
Deciding where to stay? With locals being very dependent on their cars, there isn’t usually a cost saving by booking a Dallas hotel outside the centre. So you can choose between the chain and boutique hotels in and around Main Street and you could bag a stay for less than one at the fancy skyscrapers near the freeway. Saying that, bear in mind Dallas is a more pricey city than Boston or Miami.
Other things to do while you’re in Dallas:
• Sample classic Texas barbecue at a local smokehouse.
• Head to Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts for live music.
• Explore the Arts District for galleries, green spaces and coffee stops.
• Visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn more about modern US history.
Miami: Palm Trees, Play‑offs and Pool Days
Sun, palm trees and coastal vibes - Miami is set to be one of the most atmospheric host cities of the tournament.
Split your time between big‑game build‑ups, beach days and exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods, from South Beach's art deco hotels to the colourful streets of Little Havana.
Flights from the UK: Direct from London Heathrow. Otherwise indirect via London or Dublin**.
Alternative travel option: Many UK airports have direct flights to Orlando. The new High Speed Brightline train connects Orlando and Miami, with a journey time of 3.5 hours.
Key matches:
• Scotland vs Brazil
• 3rd place play-off
Stadium: Miami Stadium (14 miles north of downtown Miami)
How to get here: Take the Brightline train to Aventura - 22 min from Miami Central and 14 min from Fort Lauderdale. From here a complimentary shuttle will operate to the stadium.
Deciding where to stay? Choose between big city vibes in downtown Miami and beachfront resorts in Fort Lauderdale. As most footie fans will be staying north of Miami, heading slightly south to districts like Coconut Grove and Coral Gables gives you the best chance of grabbing a bargain.
Other things to do while you’re in Florida:
• Sea, sand and shopping in Fort Lauderdale.
• Sampling Caribbean cuisine in Miami’s Little Havana.
• Crocodile spotting at Everglades National Park.
• The hidden oasis of Kampong Botanical Garden.
New York: Skyline Sights and Final‑Whistle Nights
New York: Skyline Sights and Final‑Whistle Nights
New York needs no introduction - but the World Cup will give the city an extra buzz, especially with England playing here and the final also taking place at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Between bucket‑list sights in Manhattan and big‑match nights across the Hudson in New Jersey, this is where sightseeing, shopping and football all come together in one blockbuster city break.
Flights from the UK to New York JFK: Direct from London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Indirect via London and European hubs.
Flights from the UK to Newark (New Jersey): Direct from London Heathrow and Edinburgh. Alternatively, indirect via London or Dublin.**
Key matches:
• Panama vs England
• The final
Stadium: New York New Jersey Stadium
How to get here: Head to Secaucus Junction station. It’s on nine train lines and has direct services from Penn Station. From here, use the match day shuttles operated by Meadowlands, which run directly to the stadium.
Alternatively, catch the 351 coach service from The Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. As they can only carry 56 passengers per vehicle, buy your tickets in advance from Coach USA for priority boarding.
Deciding where to stay? For convenience book a hotel in the Garment District, between Times Square and Penn Station. You may be able to save over £100pp on a 3 night stay by staying in either Manhattan’s Chinatown area or Brooklyn. Bear in mind if you opt for the latter it could more than double the time it’ll take you to get to the stadium.
Other things to do while you’re in New York:
• Head up the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock for classic skyline views.
• Stroll the High Line then refuel at Chelsea Market.
• Take the Staten Island Ferry for free views of the Statue of Liberty.
• Catch a Broadway show after the final whistle.
Alternative Stadium Names
Due to FIFA sponsorship rules a number of stadiums will rename themselves during the World Cup, dropping their usual branding. So bear in mind there’s a chance a road sign or your map app may show a different name to your ticket.
• Gillette Stadium will become Boston Stadium
• MetLife will become New York New Jersey
• Hard Rock will become Miami
• AT&T will become Dallas
With England and Scotland's routes mapped out and the biggest games pinned to just a handful of must‑visit cities, it's never been easier to turn the World Cup into your next big holiday. Keep an eye on your ballot results and any play‑off news for the other home nations, then be ready to pounce on flights and hotels once you know where your team is heading. However far they go in the tournament, you'll have the memories of a North American adventure to go with every chant, cheer and final whistle. Got your match tickets? Book your USA holiday today.
** Did you know if you fly via Dublin or Shannon airports you complete clearance for entry to the USA during your connection in Ireland? This means when you arrive in the USA you’ll be directed straight to baggage reclaim!
*** If you fly via another American airport you’ll complete clearance at the first US airport you arrive at, not at your final destination.
About the author
Edd Myerscough has explored more than 15 destinations solo, from discovering top European cities to hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, and admiring the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. If you're after top tips on planning a seamless city break or an adventurous escape, Edd's got you covered with stories and practical advice to inspire your next journey.