For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States will host matches across 11 key cities. These locations are categorized by their 'Tournament Tier' (the significance of the matches they host) and their 'Travel Popularity from Los Angeles' (ease of flight and visitor demand).
Top-Tier Host Cities (Finals & Semifinals)
These cities host the most significant matches of the tournament and are high-demand travel targets from LAX.
- New York / New Jersey (MetLife Stadium): The ultimate destination, hosting the World Cup Final on July 19. It is the highest-tier city and a primary travel hub from LA with dozens of daily non-stop flights.
- Dallas (AT&T Stadium): Hosting the most matches in the tournament (9 total), including a Semifinal. Dallas is a major transit point from LA and is expected to see the highest fan density outside of the final.
- Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium): Hosting a Semifinal and 8 matches total. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport makes it one of the most accessible cities from Los Angeles.
Major Host Cities (Quarterfinals & Openers)
- Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium): As the host of the USMNT Opening Match and a Quarterfinal, LA is a Tier 1 domestic destination. For locals, it is the center of the action; for visitors, it is the primary West Coast gateway.
- Miami (Hard Rock Stadium): Hosting the Bronze Medal Match and a Quarterfinal. Miami remains a top-tier travel destination from LA, though it involves a significantly longer flight (approx. 5 hours).
- Boston & Kansas City: Both cities will host Quarterfinals. Boston serves as a historic hub for international fans, while Kansas City is the geographical heart of the tournament's central region.
Regional & Group Stage Hubs
l* Seattle & San Francisco: These are the most 'popular' and accessible travel destinations from Los Angeles due to their proximity. Both host Round of 16 matches and are ideal for West Coast road trips.
- Philadelphia & Houston: Key hubs hosting Group Stage and Round of 16 matches. Houston is a major hub for flights from LAX, while Philadelphia is easily accessible via the Northeast rail corridor from NYC.
Non-Host Travel Destinations
While included in the list, the following cities are not official match venues but will serve as major fan hubs or 'Base Camp' cities:
- Washington D.C.: Hosted the official schedule unveiling; expected to have massive fan festivals.
- Las Vegas & Chicago: High travel popularity from LA, but fans will need to commute to nearby host cities (like Los Angeles or Kansas City) to see live matches.
Travel Tips from Los Angeles (LAX)
- Book Early for West Coast Hubs: Short-haul flights to Seattle and San Francisco will sell out fast for match weekends.
- Northeast Corridor Strategy: If visiting New York, Philadelphia, or Boston, consider flying into one and using the Amtrak Acela to move between them.
- Secondary Airports: To avoid the surge at major hubs like DFW or JFK, look for flights into smaller regional airports like Love Field (Dallas) or Newark (NJ) to save on costs.