The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing across North America, with millions of football fans travelling between host cities to catch the action.
Vancouver, Canada/Luke Lawreszuk/Unsplash
But for many visitors, the experience extends well beyond the stadium. Easy transport, lively neighbourhoods, affordable food and a vibrant atmosphere all play a role in creating a memorable tournament.
A new study by gaming software provider Digitain analysed all 16 World Cup host cities using seven travel-focused factors, including stadium accessibility, safety, affordability, weather, nightlife, walkability and fan satisfaction.
According to the findings, Vancouver in Canada offers the best overall experience for travelling supporters, with several other North American cities also standing out.
The top five World Cup host cities
1. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver claimed the top spot thanks to its efficient public transport, walkable city centre and mild summer climate.
The city’s direct SkyTrain connections to the stadium earned it top marks for accessibility, while visitors also benefit from a wide range of restaurants, bars and nightlife options after the final whistle.
2. Monterrey, Mexico
Known for its passionate football culture, Monterrey ranked second overall.
The city’s Metrorrey system and pedestrian-friendly layout make getting around straightforward, while visitors can expect lower food and drink prices than many other host destinations. Summer temperatures can exceed 30°C, but fan satisfaction remains among the highest in the rankings.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City received the highest fan satisfaction score of all the host cities analysed.
It also emerged as one of the most affordable destinations for travelling supporters, combining lower dining costs with an extensive metro and light rail network that provides easy access to the stadium.
4. Seattle, United States
Seattle scored highly for convenience, thanks to its direct light rail service and compact, walkable downtown.
Pleasant summer weather and strong transport links helped secure its place in the top five, although visitors can expect to spend more on meals and drinks than in the Mexican host cities.
5. Toronto, Canada
Toronto rounds out the top five with its combination of reliable public transport, strong safety ratings and easy-to-navigate urban layout.
The city offers a well-balanced experience for international visitors, with good stadium access and plenty to explore between matches.
According to Digitain, the best World Cup destinations are those that create a complete travel experience rather than simply hosting matches.
Factors such as convenient public transport, affordable dining, lively entertainment districts and walkable neighbourhoods can make a significant difference for supporters spending several days in a host city.
For travellers planning a World Cup itinerary, choosing the right destination could mean enjoying far more than 90 minutes of football.
Source: IOL
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