The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest football tournament in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and, for the first time ever, three host countries. For football fans in Indonesia and around the world, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the world’s best players in action at iconic stadiums across North America.
Three Host Countries of the 2026 World Cup
Where will the 2026 World Cup be held? The tournament will take place across three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a total of 16 host cities. The United States will host 78 matches in 11 cities, Canada will host 13 matches in 2 cities, and Mexico will host 13 matches in 3 cities.
Host Cities in the United States
The United States will be the main host with eleven cities across the country. These host cities are:
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Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
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Boston (Gillette Stadium in Foxborough)
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Dallas (AT&T Stadium in Arlington)
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Houston (NRG Stadium)
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Kansas City (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium)
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Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium in Inglewood)
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Miami (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens)
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New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford)
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Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
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San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara)
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Seattle (Lumen Field)
Host Cities in Canada
By Dkoerber at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2320145
Canada will host 2026 World Cup matches in two major cities: Toronto, at BMO Field, which will have its capacity expanded from 30,000 to 45,500 seats, and Vancouver, at BC Place, which can accommodate 54,500 spectators. This marks the first time in history that Canada will host the men’s FIFA World Cup.
Host Cities in Mexico
Mexico will host matches in three legendary cities: Mexico City, with Estadio Azteca, which has a capacity of 83,000 spectators and will become the first stadium to host three World Cup editions (1970, 1986, and 2026); Guadalajara, with Estadio Guadalajara (Estadio Akron), accommodating 48,000 spectators in Zapopan; and Monterrey, with Estadio Monterrey (Estadio BBVA), which can seat 53,500 spectators in Guadalupe.
Complete Tournament Schedule
When exactly does the 2026 World Cup start? The tournament will take place from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, lasting a full 39 days. This will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup and marks a return to the Northern Hemisphere summer schedule after the 2022 Qatar edition, which was held in November–December.
How to Buy 2026 World Cup Tickets
Getting 2026 World Cup tickets is a highly competitive process due to strong global demand. FIFA has opened several ticket sales phases, each with different systems and pricing structures.
FIFA Random Selection Draw System
FIFA ticket sales do not follow a first-come, first-served system, but instead use a Random Selection Draw. The registration period ran from December 11, 2025 to January 13, 2026 at 11:00 ET and has now closed.
During the registration period, applicants selected matches via fifa.com/tickets, chose a seat category (maximum of 4 tickets), and were automatically entered into a digital draw. The results were announced via email in February 2026.
Applicants who selected the downgrade option had a higher chance of securing tickets if their primary seat category sold out.
Official FIFA Ticket Prices
World Cup 2026 ticket prices vary depending on the match stage, stadium, seat category, and participating teams, as FIFA applies a dynamic pricing system.
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Group stage: USD 50–800
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Round of 16: USD 75–1,000
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Quarterfinals: up to USD 1,500
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Semifinals: can reach USD 3,000
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Final: starting from USD 12,000 and can go up to tens of thousands of dollars for premium seats
FIFA also offers Supporter Tickets priced at USD 60, but availability is very limited and they are distributed only through national football federations.
Visa Requirements for Tourists
Indonesian travelers who plan to watch the 2026 World Cup must understand the visa requirements for all three host countries, as a visa for one country does not automatically grant entry to the others.
United States Visa
Indonesian citizens are required to hold a B1/B2 tourist visa to enter the United States, as Indonesia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA cannot be used. The application process includes completing the DS-160 form, paying a fee of approximately USD 185, and attending an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya, along with supporting documents. Visa processing times can take weeks to months, so early application is strongly recommended.
FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS)
As good news, FIFA, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, has launched FIFA PASS for 2026 World Cup ticket holders. This program offers priority visa interview scheduling for fans who purchase official FIFA tickets and opt in to the program. Full details are expected to be released in early 2026. While this helps speed up the process, early visa application is still highly recommended, as ticket availability and timing cannot be guaranteed.
Canada Visa
Indonesian citizens traveling to Canada must apply for a Visitor Visa / Temporary Resident Visa, or an eTA if eligible. Processing times may take several weeks to months, so early submission is advised. Required documents include a valid passport, proof of funds, flight tickets, and accommodation details. The visa fee is around CAD 100 (approximately USD 75). A valid U.S. or Mexican visa does not automatically grant entry to Canada.
Mexico Visa
Good news for holders of valid U.S. or Canadian visas: Mexico allows entry without a separate Mexican visa, making cross-border travel during the World Cup much easier. Travelers without these visas must apply for a Mexican visa or ETA, depending on nationality. Indonesian citizens are advised to check the official website of the Mexican consulate. In addition to a visa, all visitors must obtain a Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) upon arrival at the airport.
Things to Know While in North America
Culture and Etiquette
North America has a tipping culture in restaurants and service industries, typically 15–20% of the total bill. Customer service is highly valued, and people are generally friendly. Queuing politely is an important social norm. Smoking is prohibited in public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation.
Safety
Keep valuables in your hotel safe and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be alert for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas such as stadiums and public transportation. Never leave belongings unattended. Avoid quiet or unsafe areas, particularly at night.
Weather
June–July in the United States can be extremely hot, especially in southern cities like Dallas, Houston, and Miami, where temperatures can reach 35–40°C. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Northern cities such as Seattle, Vancouver, and Toronto are cooler, with temperatures around 20–25°C. A light jacket is recommended for very cold indoor air conditioning.
Conclusion
The 2026 World Cup is a rare opportunity to witness the world’s biggest football tournament across three North American countries. With proper preparation, careful itinerary planning based on budget and interests, and a good understanding of essential tips, your trip can become an unforgettable experience filled with memorable moments.
