MVP Travel's Guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026
FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest yet. With 48 teams and more than 100
matches played across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, it’s a massive event. But
here’s the good news: you don’t need a match ticket to be part of it.
In every
U.S. host city, fan zones and public events are being planned for all kinds of
visitors—whether you're there for the crowd, the energy, or just a fun day out.
There's something for everyone.
This guide
is brought to you by MVP Travel, your team
for personalized sports travel. If you're heading to the World Cup, we can help
with flights, hotels, event access, matchday tickets and more.
What Are FIFA Fan Festivals?
FIFA Fan
Festivals are free events set up in public spaces like parks
and plazas. They're made for fans without tickets to still get in on the
action. You can watch games live on big screens, hear music from local and
international artists, try food from around the world, and join football-themed
activities.
These
festivals are open to everyone—die-hard fans or casual spectators.
What You’ll Find at a Fan Festival
Every official festival includes live match broadcasts on giant LED screens for that stadium-like feel. But there’s more than just football.
There will be DJs, live bands, interactive games, food from all over the world, and sponsor booths with giveaways and contests. You’ll find everything from VR soccer games to penalty shootout stations and official merch.
Each zone will also offer family areas, quiet spaces, and cooling stations. They're free to enter and built to be welcoming to everyone. On big match days or during the knockout rounds, plan to arrive early to grab a good spot.
Where to Go: Host City
Highlights
New
York/New Jersey
Liberty
State Park will be the main hub, with views of the Manhattan
skyline and all matches shown live. Expect big crowds and even bigger energy.
Dallas
Fair Park is set to
host the fan zone here. It’s made for large crowds and will stay open
throughout the tournament, offering football, food, and performances daily.
Philadelphia
The fan zone is planned for Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park. It’ll host about
20,000 people each day with match screenings, food vendors, entertainment, and
merchandise.
Atlanta
Centennial Olympic
Park will host events on weekends and for major games.
Expect a fun mix of football and Southern flair.
Miami
Bayfront Park will be
the heart of the celebration, open for around 20 days during key matches.
Cultural shows, live music, and diverse food are all on the schedule.
Houston
The EaDo district will host official match-day events, but don’t be surprised
if the whole area turns into a street party. Local bars and businesses are
expected to join in.
Kansas City
The fan zone will be set up near the WWI Memorial. With
skyline views and plenty of space, it’s shaping up to be one of the top spots.
Seattle
Seattle Center will host
the main events, but the whole state is getting involved—Tacoma, Spokane, and
other cities will hold their own celebrations.
Los Angeles
Festivities kick off with an opening event at the LA Memorial Coliseum. From
there, places like Santa Monica and Inglewood will host watch parties
throughout the tournament.
Bay Area
San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose all plan to host fan zones. Locations are
still being finalized, but over 100 events and watch parties are already in the
works.
Boston
Organizers are deciding between Boston Common and City Hall Plaza for the main
fan zone. Wherever it ends up, fans can expect a central location with music,
food, and big screen match coverage.
Don’t Have a Fan Zone Nearby?
You’ll
still have options. Many cities are organizing community events, watch parties,
and themed pop-ups.
In New
York, you might run into a street party in Queens. In San Jose, rooftop
screenings. In Seattle, a cultural festival could take over a local park.
Bars and
restaurants are joining in too. In L.A., expect packed venues for Mexico games.
In New York, bars in different neighbourhoods will rep different national
teams.
Cultural
groups and city officials are working to highlight music, food, and traditions
from the countries playing. So even if you’re not in a stadium, you’re still
part of the global celebration.
Why You Should Go—Even Without a
Ticket
You don’t
need a seat in the stadium to enjoy the World Cup. These fan zones and city
events are designed for everyone to feel part of it.
They're
free, welcoming, and full of energy. Whether you stay for an hour or spend the
whole day, the sense of community is real.
Many cities
will also see long-term benefits from the improvements made for the
tournament—upgraded parks, better public spaces, and new local partnerships.
As one
event organizer in Atlanta put it, “You don’t need to be inside the stadium to
feel the magic. The real experience is in the streets, the parks, and among the
people.”
Planning to Travel?
Most cities
have confirmed their fan zone plans. Some will be open daily, others on key
match days. Either way, you’ll find football, music, food, and connection
wherever you go.
Want to
make the most of your trip? MVP Travel is here to
help with flights, hotels, and personalized fan experiences.