The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a global celebration like no other — the first to be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For families, it presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine travel, sport and culture in one unforgettable adventure.
With 48 teams, 104 matches and cities spanning thousands of miles, planning ahead will be the key to enjoying the tournament stress-free.
From ticketing and travel logistics to keeping children engaged during matchdays, this guide offers everything families need to know to make the most of football’s greatest spectacle.
Choosing the right host city for your family
Each host country offers a distinct experience, and selecting the right base is crucial when travelling with children.
The United States will feature the largest number of matches, hosted in iconic venues such as the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and AT&T Stadium in Dallas. These cities boast world-class infrastructure, family-friendly attractions and excellent public transport.
Mexico’s contribution will blend football with heritage. Cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey offer a more intimate tournament atmosphere, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
Canada, with venues in Vancouver and Toronto, provides a calmer pace and stunning natural scenery, ideal for families seeking a relaxed yet exciting experience.
When choosing a city, factors such as flight connections, accommodation options and local entertainment should guide the decision.
Families travelling with younger children may prefer to stay in one location for longer, while those with teenagers might enjoy moving between host cities to follow more matches.
Securing family-friendly tickets
One of the most important steps is obtaining official tickets early and ensuring that family members are seated together.
The 2026 tournament’s high demand means that availability may vary by stage and location. Families can register for pre-sale access and early alerts through verified distributors such as FIFA’s official partners.
To make the process simpler and secure, platforms like Hellotickets specialise in grouping seats for families, providing clarity on seating plans and offering flexible cancellation policies in case of travel changes. Going with the kids? Check family & group World Cup tickets with seats together.
Families should prioritise early-round matches, as they tend to offer a wider range of prices and greater seating availability. Afternoon kick-offs are particularly convenient for younger fans, avoiding late-night travel or long waits in queues.
Planning travel across three nations
Attending the 2026 World Cup will require thoughtful travel coordination, as matches will be hosted across vast distances.
North America’s infrastructure is robust, with numerous flight routes, efficient rail connections and modern highways linking major cities.
Families flying between venues should book internal flights well in advance, especially during the knockout stages when demand peaks. For shorter journeys, such as between New York and Philadelphia or between Toronto and Boston, rail travel offers a comfortable and scenic alternative.
It’s advisable to choose a primary base city and explore nearby match locations through short domestic trips. For instance, a family based in Dallas can easily reach Houston or Kansas City for additional fixtures.
This approach reduces the stress of frequent relocations and allows families to enjoy local attractions between matchdays.
Accommodation tailored to family comfort
During major tournaments, hotels near stadiums and city centres tend to fill up quickly. Booking early ensures access to family-friendly accommodation with amenities such as adjoining rooms, kitchenettes and childcare services.
Many hotels also introduce special World Cup packages that include transportation to venues or fan-zone access.
Families seeking more space might prefer serviced apartments or short-term rentals, which offer flexibility and home-like comfort – particularly beneficial for longer stays.
In North America, neighbourhoods outside the main tourist hubs often provide better value, quieter surroundings and easy transport links to stadiums.
Making matchdays enjoyable for everyone
For children, the first glimpse of a packed stadium, the chants echoing through the stands and the sea of national colours create a lifelong memory.
To ensure a smooth experience, arriving early helps avoid queues and allows time to soak in the atmosphere. Stadiums hosting World Cup fixtures are expected to include designated family zones, with easy access to facilities and food vendors offering child-friendly options.
Noise-cancelling headphones can help younger children who may find the crowds overwhelming, while keeping snacks and water handy ensures comfort during longer matches.
It’s also important to familiarise the family with the stadium layout in advance – exits, toilets, and seating blocks -to avoid confusion in busy areas.
Fan festivals and viewing zones across host cities will complement the live experience. These spaces often feature interactive football games, music and food stalls — a perfect way for families to immerse themselves in the World Cup spirit without attending every match.
Experiencing culture beyond the stadiums
The World Cup is more than football; it’s an opportunity to explore the cultural richness of the host nations. In the United States, families can blend sport with sightseeing — from New York’s museums and California’s beaches to Florida’s theme parks.
Mexico offers an entirely different flavour, combining Aztec ruins, traditional cuisine and colourful neighbourhoods such as Coyoacán or Tlaquepaque. Canada provides a contrast of urban sophistication and breathtaking nature, where families can combine matches with visits to Niagara Falls or Stanley Park.
Exploring these destinations enriches the trip, turning a sporting event into a broader family adventure that balances excitement and discovery. Each host country’s commitment to hospitality ensures that visitors – especially those with children – feel safe, welcomed and inspired to return.
Staying safe and healthy during the tournament
Large-scale events require extra care when travelling with children. Carrying identification for each family member, keeping photocopies of passports and ensuring access to local emergency numbers are basic but essential measures.
Travel insurance should include health coverage across all three countries, as medical systems and costs vary significantly.
Hydration is crucial, particularly in cities where summer temperatures exceed 30°C. Comfortable clothing, sunscreen and hats are indispensable for outdoor events. Many stadiums have strict regulations on bags, bottles and other items, so checking entry policies beforehand prevents last-minute issues.
Public transport remains the most efficient way to reach stadiums, as roads near venues often close on matchdays. Many host cities plan to enhance family-friendly mobility options, such as shuttle buses and dedicated entrances for those attending with children.
Budgeting for a multi-country experience
The scale of the 2026 World Cup means costs can vary widely between locations. Families can manage expenses effectively by combining free cultural activities with planned match attendance.
Public fan zones, local street markets and national parks offer affordable ways to experience each host country without overspending.
Setting a realistic budget for meals, transport and entertainment helps prevent financial surprises. Exchange rates across the US, Canada and Mexico differ, so using prepaid travel cards or digital wallets with minimal fees simplifies currency management.
Creating lifelong memories at the 2026 World Cup
Attending the World Cup as a family is far more than a sporting trip — it’s an intergenerational experience that blends passion, culture and togetherness.
From the thrill of the opening ceremony to the final whistle, every moment will resonate for years to come.
The 2026 edition promises to be the most inclusive and family-oriented tournament ever staged, with exceptional hospitality and unparalleled global energy.
For parents, it’s a chance to inspire their children with the world’s most unifying game; for the young ones, it’s the beginning of a lifelong love affair with football.
To ensure a seamless experience and secure your place at this historic event, get family & group World Cup tickets with seats together.
The world’s biggest sporting spectacle awaits – and there’s no better way to experience it than as a family, united by football’s universal heartbeat.
