World Cup 2026: Travel Chaos & Costs Revealed

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11, with all group stage matches for England and Scotland scheduled in American venues. England faces Croatia in Dallas, Ghana in Boston, and Panama in New York, while Scotland plays Haiti and Morocco in Boston before a final match against Brazil in Florida. These locations promise intense heat, with Dallas expecting highs of 33C and Miami 31C with high humidity.

Fans planning to attend should prepare for significant expenses, as airfares have already surged following the match announcements. Transatlantic flights from London to Dallas have seen a substantial price increase, and domestic travel within the US, including flights between match cities, is also becoming increasingly costly. While train travel is an option between some venues like Boston and New York, it is prohibitively expensive, making bus services a more budget-friendly alternative.

Accommodation costs are also at a premium, with hotels in New York already commanding exorbitant prices for game nights. Experts suggest that waiting closer to the tournament date might lead to falling accommodation rates as "normal" business and leisure travelers avoid host cities, and more private rentals become available. Fans are urged to apply for ESTA permits early, as visa applications can be a slow and expensive process, potentially jeopardizing travel plans.