Going to North America '26: tickets, accommodations, etc. (non-politics)

Thanks! Yeah the bus on the way back is a concern, I'll need to look into that. Thankfully my first NJ game is Norway Senegal, so I'll have the knowledge of the people who already went to M7, for example.

 

You'll probably need to check to see if the World Cup causes any game day changes to the ordinary bus routes that stop there.

 

Philly, you beauty! https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/world-cup-fifa-nj-transit-septa-pricing-20260415.html

Alternative link: https://archive.is/2026.04.15-19453...p-fifa-nj-transit-septa-pricing-20260415.html

EDIT: TLDR is "World Cup tourists, local stadium workers, and commuters will pay the same $2.90 base fare for a Broad Street subway ride to Lincoln Financial Field for matches, SEPTA said Wednesday"

 

Would not be surprised

 

https://www.kctv5.com/2026/04/15/kc...ld-cup-bus-routes-stadium-kansas-city-region/

Kansas City: Free bus from airport to downtown, $15 bus from four locations to the stadium.

 

This is looking really good. Is KC gonna be the place to be this WC!?

 

I think its just staying out of LA, NY and Boston lol. All of Canada/Mexico along with Seattle, KC, Philly, Houston seem to be good.

I know Dallas well enough that they will probably be like they normally are.

 

Toronto just announced paid fan fests, so Canada's begun losing points!

 

I can’t believe I’m actually defending FIFA here, but if you buy the worst seat category you should not expect great seats. I too like to sit at midfield but I wouldn’t expect good seats if I buy Category 3.

“Aaron Levinson paid more than $1,500 on Category 3 tickets for him and his family and were disappointed to learn his seats would be in the upper corner of the stands, he told the Los Angeles Times.

Levinson did not get to view the color-coded map of SoFi Stadium until after he purchased the tickets, which are in the cheapest category.

I don’t know if ‘disappointing’ is the right word. It’s just bizarre,” he told the outlet. “I like to sit in a certain spot. I like the sideline; I don’t want to be behind the goal. I just feel like for the price I paid, at least I could know where [the seats] are going to be.”

https://nypost.com/2026/04/14/us-ne...F8Yx0Z0LJVdTlebc9g_aem_YlTLIn69T3ruoC-oAv0Gow

 

I think Atlanta will be, at least in the US. The stadium is right downtown, easy transport from the airport, and hotel prices in downtown are falling now.

 

I would bet this is people buying that haven't bought World Cup/Euros tickets before. I'm seeing the same complaints for the LA Summer Olympics in the ticket drop two years out without realizing that a) it is a very limited release and b) they're jacking up the prices since the people buying now are super enthused.

I got a crappy ticket randomly assigned to me for this. I sold it and I'll buy again to get a better seat even if I have to pay more. It's just the way it goes if you buy before seats are assigned.

 

After the stresses of the last few months, missing out on all the sales periods. I've managed to get confirmation that I have a ticket for all 6 games I have booked flights and accommodation for. Fortunately through a football contact in NZ and I've paid an average of U$300 for all 6 tickets. ( Still alot in my mind but being on here makes me feel relieved). I'm over for 12 days from 25 June.

My question is.........

Are there any recommended forums ( other than this) popping up with more info that is city specific for things like transportation tips, places to meet up with footy fans ( other than official fan parks) , cheap eateries, things to do (seen the official stuff) .

When I went to my last world cup and things were less social media, there was a website ( cant remember) that helped Japan bound fans. Ended up basing myself at a hotel that was just for footy fans . It was great. Friendships were made, good times had..and we all supported different teams.

I already have booked and rebooked accommodations as I'm travelling solo...but that's just places to sleep. I want to make the most of this trip ..... again. I feel like with so much internet stuff now it will be harder to find things and socialise "effectively" this tournament. ( If that makes sense) Hope I'm wrong.

Looking forward to seeing anything relevant about....
LA
Houston
Atlanta
Dallas
Mexico city

Cheers for now

 

Tell me more about hotel prices dropping please. I'm booked at the airport at the moment

 

Tbh it’s not really possible logistically for Philly to charge differential fares going to the stadium (it’s just a stop on the regular subway line, albeit the last one). If there was a simple way do it, they might have.

They’re basically just going to run their normal added train service that they have for any sold out game or events at the stadium. Often they even have simultaneous events at the two stadiums and arena. It works just fine 8+ times a year and they’re smart enough to go with what works. It’s anyone’s guess as to why New York/New Jersey refuses to do the same.

 

Book cancelable hotels now and keep checking even up to a week or two before. You’ll get some good deals.

 

It looks like Dallas/FTW are just using the standard commuter rail services and some info says the stadium shuttle buses are ‘complimentary’ ?

We will see?

Good to see KC is applying reasonable fees to their special services, even if I’m driving and have coughed 75 bucs for parking.

FWIW I can’t see there being any subsidised travel for Euro 2028, although many stadia are close to, with decent public transport or walkable from the city centres.

 

Since ticket prices are so much higher than in Russia or Qatar, many matches just don't feel worth the "full price." If that's the case, I’d at least like to enjoy the Fan Fest, but even that seems tricky.

For instance, the matchups in the Bay Area are pretty underwhelming to begin with, but there isn't even an official Fan Fest scheduled there. I heard LA plans to move their Fan Fest locations throughout the tournament. Is LA a city with a big football culture?

I really want to feel that vibe where the entire city is buzzing with World Cup energy, but I’m starting to wonder if that will even be possible this time.

 

KC2026 has announced prices for World Cup bus service.

Unlimited regional trips from downtown KC to 14 different locations will cost $5 per day, $25 per week or $50 for the entire tournament.

Roundtrip match day service to the stadium is $15.

Rides downtown to KCI are free. pic.twitter.com/UcA2K2sLg4

— Eric Graves (@EricGravesKMBC) April 15, 2026

It actually gets better.
Looking forward to my 6 nights and 2 matches there.

 

I’m not sure if this has been mentioned elsewhere but if you have a sense of humour and can get access to the BBC “fly on the wall documentary” Twenty Twenty Six , you will probably get a feeling for how things really are behind the scenes

 

So how did you manage to finally get some tickets?

 

Let me just run something past you guys.
Am taking the last flight from Seattle to Atlanta that lands at 7 45 ET. My aim is to attend Czech/South Africa (a dregs match - the ticket will be sorted).
I have been to ATL before and know the stadium is Downtown accessible.
Reason I have done this is so I can bar-watch the matches in Downtown Seattle then head to the airport. Means I save a night in a hotel, so I can upgrade the hotel in Atlanta.
Bar the plane being cancelled (is an issue but I expect a day's notice at least of that), have I missed any risks?

(Falling asleep during the Czech/SA match COULD be one, I guess).

 

Love this psychological game FIFA is playing, they give us some insanely priced first raw shit for weeks then they will drop insanely priced "normal tickets" after having jacked up the prices 10% but they will look so cheap compared to the first raw so people will buy them thinking it is a great deal... Greed is vicious...

 

Someone I know who is involved with a football organisation. I wasn't hopeful initially but it looks like is a done deal. No physical tickets yet but all good.

Like I said very relieved. Been a slog with getting the leave , then planning it with an initial trip to Fiji ( never been) for a friend's birthday ( gang of us) and then I leave them ..and my family to goto the world cup.

I did the same to the (now) Mrs 24 years ago when we started dating . " I'm to japan"

 

Chicago pulled out because they knew the contract would be lopsided. This was publicised at the time. The host cities knew what they were getting into. There is potential for those cities to end up with a load of bad publicity if the transport arrangements are overpriced, inadequate and unreliable. If they're expensive but work well then the excuse of "FIFA made us do it" has more mileage.

 

Will be in LA for England's opening game so not at the match itself - any recommendations for where to watch the game in LA?