FIFA World Cup 2026
It’s the biggest event of the year: The FIFA World Cup is heading to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico – with more teams participating than ever before. Global excitement is off the charts, and the travel industry is gearing up too. Many U.S.-based DMCs already have ticketing and hospitality packages lined up. We’ve rounded up what you need to know to advise your clients – and taken a first look at who’s offering what.
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World Cup Tickets: Huge Demand
Crazy numbers: Ticket demand for the World Cup is smashing every record. FIFA received over 500 million requests from 200 countries during the "Random Selection Draw Ticketing Phase," which ran until January 13. That means demand is not only 30 times higher than total stadium capacity – it’s also 3.4 times higher than the total number of spectators across all 964 matches ever played at a FIFA World Cup since 1930. Wow!
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Every Game at a Glance
The countdown is on – the world’s biggest sporting event is soon about to kick off! Oh, so you're not a soccer buff? No worries. We’ve got the best resource to support your client consultations. From group stage thrillers to nail-biting knockouts, this is your one-stop hub for every match, every score, and every moment that matters – all updated in real time: FIFA.com. For match dates and results, click on "Scores & Fixtures".
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AI Enters the Game: New Tools
Football AI Pro is a smart new assistant that crunches massive amounts of past match data to deliver insights to all 48 teams – giving smaller nations access to the same tools as top-tier squads. Realistic 3D player avatars will pop up in broadcasts to help fans understand offside calls. And with Referee View, viewers can see key moments from the ref’s perspective, making calls more transparent than ever.
Interview with Norman Aynbinder, CEO Excursionist (DMC for U.S. & Canada)
Portrait: Radskillz Photography
What does Excursionist offer for discerning travelers around the Soccer World Cup?
"Excursionist provides access to exclusive hospitality packages, individual match tickets, hotel stays and curated experiences along with transportation for games across the U.S. and Canada. We also design fully customized itineraries around single matches or multi-game experiences. In addition, we have developed sample itineraries aligned with the opening matches based on participating countries, allowing travelers to easily follow their national teams."
How is the demand right now? Is there a difference between domestic and international interest?
"Demand is currently very strong. We have already secured multiple bookings for the World Cup, with the majority of interest coming from international markets – particularly Germany, the UK, Brazil, Argentina , Colombia and France – where football culture is deeply rooted. That said, we are also seeing growing interest from the U.S. domestic market as excitement builds."
Are certain host cities more popular than others?
"Yes, major metropolitan host cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Dallas, and Miami are especially popular, as they allow for more elaborate and diverse itineraries. Additionally, we are seeing strong interest in Canadian host cities, often paired with bespoke extensions to destinations like the Canadian Rockies or the British Columbia wilderness."
These are mass events – how do you ensure a seamless experience for clients?
"We work exclusively with top-tier, trusted partners for transportation and logistics, and we rely on exceptional local guides for private touring. All match tickets are verified, and every itinerary is carefully coordinated to ensure a smooth, elevated experience despite the scale of the event. All our programs include one to one 24/7 concierge services, where the client is assigned to one of our Travel Services managers who will assist them throughout their trip."
What are your expectations – will most international visitors combine the World Cup with a longer trip?
"Yes, most long-haul international travelers are choosing to combine a World Cup match with a broader, customized itinerary, turning the event into a more immersive travel experience rather than a stand-alone visit."
Just in: World Cup Specials from the Travel Industry
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Brand USA Serves Up Wanderlust
Brand USA has launched a new trip-planning site called "America the Beautiful Game" in celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The site offers road trip itineraries linking all eleven host cities with must-see spots in the surrounding regions. Timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the U. S., the platform highlights 250 experiences across the country – including 50 curated picks in and around World Cup destinations. It also spotlights the training camp locations of the national teams.
Foto: Seabourn
Seabourn brings Games Onboard
Luxury cruise line Seabourn announced that they will broadcast every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 live across its full ocean fleet from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Guests aboard its three ships can watch all 104 games via the "Sport 24 Special Event" channels, available both in-suite and in select public venues. Whether sailing the Mediterranean, cruising Alaska or exploring other corners of the world, fans won’t miss a minute of the action – no matter where the ship drops anchor.
Foto: Marriott International
Marriott Bonvoy Crafts Fan Events
Marriott Bonvoy is the Official Hotel Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, with over 30 hotel brands – including many in the tournament’s host cities (hello, W New York Union Square! – pictured ). The loyalty program is planning exclusive soccer-themed experiences, fan-focused stay packages, and curated events that will evolve in the lead-up to the tournament kickoff. Think once-in-a-lifetime moments and tailor-made touches to bring the global celebration closer to guests.