The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest yet. For the first time ever, it’s being shared across three countries: the USA, Canada and Mexico. With 48 teams, 16 host cities and millions of fans expected, this is more than just a football tournament. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Whether you’re flying in from across the world or planning a multi-city trip to catch a game or two, we’re here to help you get there.
From finding the best airports near the stadiums to entry requirements, travel tips, and flexible ways to pay, this guide covers everything you need to know to book flights to the USA for the 2026 World Cup.
The USA is going big for the 2026 World Cup with 11 cities across the country set to host matches. From coast to coast, each location brings its own vibe, sights and stadium experience. If you’re after beaches, BBQ or skyscraper views, there’s a city (and match ticket) with your name on it.
Here’s where the action will be:
It doesn't matter whether you're crossing oceans or coming from nearby - there’s no shortage of flight options to get you to the World Cup. With 11 host cities across the States, chances are there’s a major airport not far from the action. Keep reading to find out more!
If you're flying from Europe, South America or Asia, you'll find direct flights into major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas. These are often the easiest options if you’re heading to matches in those cities or nearby.
But if you’re flying to a smaller host city or looking for a cheaper fare, a connecting flight might be the way to go. Many travellers choose to land in a major hub and take a short domestic flight to their final destination.
Planning to follow your team across the USA? Book a multi-city flight to fly into one host city and out of another - perfect if you’re seeing matches in different places. It’s often cheaper than booking separate one-way tickets and saves you looping back.
Use our multi-city search tool to build your route, and pay your way with 20+ flexible payment plans like Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm.
Major US hubs like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW) are served by the world’s leading international airlines. Whether you're flying from Europe, Asia, South America or beyond, you'll have loads of choices when it comes to routes, airlines and cabin options.
Some of the biggest international airlines flying to the US include:
US-based airlines like American Airlines, Delta and United also operate global routes and offer easy domestic connections between host cities.
Flying in from Canada or Mexico? You'll also find great short-haul options with WestJet, Air Canada, Aeroméxico and Volaris.
Don’t forget - when you book with us, you can filter flights by airline, compare prices easily and choose from 40+ flexible ways to pay.
Each US host city is served by a major international airport, making it easy to fly in from around the world or hop across states if you’re already nearby.
Flying into New York for the World Cup? You’ve got two great options. JFK is a major international hub, served by Delta, JetBlue and American Airlines. Newark (EWR), just over in New Jersey, is usually quicker for queues and transfers, and is a big base for United, American Airlines and JetBlue. Both airports have easy transport links - trains, ride-shares and shuttles - straight to MetLife Stadium.
LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, with direct flights from Asia, Oceania and Europe. It’s big, busy and getting a major facelift before kick-off in 2026. Top airlines flying in include Delta, American Airlines and United. SoFi Stadium is a short drive away, and you’ll be close to LA favourites like Venice Beach, Santa Monica and the Hollywood sign.
DFW is one of the biggest airports in the US and is right in the middle of it. That means it’s ideal for fans flying in from both coasts or Latin America. It’s packed with direct flights, especially from Mexico and Europe. American Airlines, Spirit and Delta are the top names flying in. Once you land, AT&T Stadium’s just a short ride away - home to the Dallas Cowboys and soon, the World Cup.
Touch down at MIA (Miami International) - a key hub between North, Central and South America, with solid links to Europe too. It’s one of the top international gateways in the US, especially for travellers from Latin America. Fly in with major airlines like American, Delta and United, and you’re only a short ride from beaches, palm trees, Hard Rock Stadium and the city’s famous nightlife.
ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International) isn’t just the busiest airport in the US - it’s the busiest in the world. With daily flights from Europe, Asia and Africa, it’s a major hub for Delta, Southwest and American Airlines. Touch down in Georgia and you’re just minutes from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
IAH (George Bush Intercontinental) is a major hub for United Airlines and a key gateway for flights from Latin America. It’s well connected globally, especially from Mexico and Brazil. Flying in with United, Spirit or American? You’ll land with easy access to the city and NRG Stadium just southwest, with plenty of transport options to get you there.
BOS (Logan International) is your gateway to New England - it's perfect for fans heading to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (just under an hour away). The airport is well connected to Europe and Canada, with major airlines like Delta, American Airlines and JetBlue flying in. Boston is compact, easy to get around and full of history.
Flying into SFO puts you just 45 minutes from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where the Bay Area matches take place. It’s a major West Coast hub, with direct routes from Europe, Asia and across the US. Airlines like United, Delta and Alaska run regular flights in and out. And if you’ve got time to spare, it’s easy to hop on public transport into San Francisco for a bit of exploring before or after the game.
Flying into SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International) puts you just 30 minutes from Lumen Field in downtown Seattle. With strong routes from Asia and Canada, plus direct flights from major US cities, it’s a solid pick. Alaska Airlines, Delta and United all offer great coverage.
PHL (Philadelphia International) is your go-to for games at Lincoln Financial Field. It’s a key hub for American Airlines, Frontier and Delta, with great connections across North America and major European cities. Once you land, it’s a quick 20-minute ride into the city.
MCI (Kansas City International) might be smaller than other World Cup host airports, but it’s modern, efficient and just 30 minutes from Arrowhead Stadium. With frequent flights from major US cities, and top airlines like Southwest, American and Delta, it’s a solid choice if you’re flying in from elsewhere.
💡 Pro tip: If prices are high or flights are full, check nearby airports or even fly into one city and road trip to another. It’s the World Cup - make it part of the adventure!
With millions of fans heading to the USA, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, flights will fill up fast and prices will only go one way. But don’t stress - here’s how to stay ahead of the crowd and book smart:
Once you’ve landed, getting around the USA is part of the adventure. With host cities spread across the country, domestic flights are the quickest way to hop between matches and there are loads of options from major carriers like Delta, American Airlines and United, plus budget-friendly picks like Southwest and JetBlue.
Planning to visit more than one city? Multi-city flight bookings are a great way to build your travel plan and save time. You can book it all in one go and avoid the hassle of booking separate one-way flights.
For shorter trips, trains and buses can be a great shout:
In most cities, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are the go-to for getting to and from stadiums, hotels and airports. Some cities also offer light rail or metro systems which are handy for skipping traffic on match days.
The 2026 World Cup isn’t just about football - it’s also a chance to explore new places, try new food and soak up the atmosphere. But before you get swept up in match-day fever, there are a few important things to check off your list.
If you're travelling to the USA, you might need a visa or a travel authorisation.
This one’s not optional. Medical care in the US can be pricey, and delays or lost luggage can ruin more than just your travel plan. The right policy can save you a serious headache and a serious bill. Look for a policy that covers:
You can also add Cancellation Protection when booking flights with us, giving you the option to cancel for an emergency reason and get some money back. It’s a smart move, especially if your plans aren’t set in stone yet.
Match days are big, but don’t forget to leave space in your travel plan for everything else. Each host city in the United States has something different to offer - from beach days in Miami to coffee walks in Seattle. A few quick tips:
Skip the stress and start your journey here. Search flights to the USA, compare over 600 airlines and spread the cost with flexible payment options.
Whether you're heading to one host city or planning a multi-stop tour, we’ll help you build the perfect travel plan.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
We recommend booking your flight to the USA for the World Cup as early as possible, ideally 6 to 9 months before kick-off. Demand will be sky-high, especially around major match cities, so locking in your travel plan early gives you the best chance of grabbing a good deal and picking the flights that suit you.
Plus, with over 40 ways to pay, including flexible options to spread the cost, you can secure your seat without feeling the pinch. Whether you’re flying in for the opener or the final, early booking means less stress, better prices and more choice.
Absolutely, with Alternative Airlines, you can pay for your flight in instalments and spread the cost over time. We partner with the world’s leading flexible payment providers like Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm and Zip, so whether you’re booking early or going last-minute, you’ve got options.
At checkout, just choose the plan that works best for you. You could split the cost into smaller monthly payments, pay in 4 or delay payment entirely, depending on what’s available where you live.
So if you’ve got your heart set on catching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, you don’t need to pay it all upfront. Secure your fare, choose your seat and pay at a pace that suits you.
Yes, depending on where you’re flying from, you may need a visa to travel to the USA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
If you're from a country that's part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can apply for an ESTA - that’s short for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. It’s a quick online form that most travellers use to visit the States for up to 90 days. Just make sure you apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
If your country isn’t in the VWP, you’ll need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa, which can take longer, so it’s worth sorting this out well in advance.
Your passport also needs to be valid for the duration of your stay.
Sixteen cities across North America are hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup - and 11 of those are in the United States. From coast to coast, the US cities stepping up include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.
Each city will host a mix of group stage and knockout games, with the final set to be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. These cities were picked for their stadiums, infrastructure and fan experience, so wherever you land, expect a proper football atmosphere.
If you're planning your trip around the matches, it's worth checking which cities are hosting your team early on. And with plenty of direct and connecting flights available, it’s easy to catch multiple games in different cities. You can even spread the cost of your flights with flexible payment options when you book with us.
Yes, you can fly into one city and leave from another. It’s called an open-jaw ticket, and it’s perfect for travelling between World Cup cities without doubling back. For example, you might land in New York to catch a group stage game, then fly out of Los Angeles after the final.
When booking, just select “multi-city” and enter your arrival and departure airports. It’s a smart way to save time and see more of the USA (or Canada and Mexico too).
We work with over 600 airlines and let you mix and match flights easily. Plus, with flexible payment options, you can spread the cost.
So go ahead and plan that cross-country football road trip. Fly in where the action starts and fly out wherever your World Cup ends.
Yes, domestic flights will be widely available between host cities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With matches spread across major cities in the USA, flying is often the quickest and easiest way to get around, especially if you’re planning to catch multiple games in different locations.
In the US, airlines like American, Delta and United offer frequent flights between key host cities like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta.
Flight times between cities vary but are generally short - around 2 to 4 hours between most major venues. If you’re booking multiple flights, you can spread the cost with one of our flexible payment options.
Just remember to check baggage allowances and give yourself enough time to get through security. Airports will be busier than usual during the tournament.
Yes, flight prices are likely to rise the closer we get to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As demand grows, especially for popular match days and host cities, airlines tend to increase fares. Big tournaments mean big crowds, and seats can sell out fast, particularly on direct routes and around major fixtures.
That said, you’ve still got options. Booking early gives you the best chance at locking in a lower fare. With Alternative Airlines, you don’t need to pay the full amount upfront. Thanks to our flexible payment options, you can spread the cost and secure your seat now, without waiting for payday.
If you’re planning on city-hopping between matches, it’s also worth looking at internal flights sooner rather than later. Domestic routes may fill up quickly once the match schedule is confirmed.
So in short - yes, prices may rise, but planning ahead (and paying later) can keep things stress-free.
