Boston, New York and Dallas Emerge as Hotspots for Football Fans Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Published on December 17, 2025

Boston, New York, and Dallas are fast becoming the top destinations for football fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup, fueled by high-stakes matches, popular international teams, and strategic scheduling across key cities. Boston leads the pack, hosting seven matches including crucial knockout games and Scotland’s fixtures, which has sparked tremendous interest from European supporters. New York follows closely, drawing diverse crowds with its central location and multiple group stage matches, while Dallas is seeing a surge in searches from Japanese fans eager to watch their national team in action. These cities are poised to become major hubs for global football travelers, offering a blend of world-class stadiums, vibrant local culture, and easy access to tournament highlights.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has already ignited a remarkable surge in international travel interest. A recent Expedia report, cited by The Independent on December 16, 2025, revealed that searches for trips to these host countries jumped by 245 percent following the official tournament draw. Football enthusiasts from around the globe are now mapping out their journeys, turning select host cities into the must-visit destinations for the summer’s biggest sporting spectacle.

Boston Tops Trending Cities as Fans Flock

Boston has emerged as the most sought-after city among football travelers, with searches for the Massachusetts capital skyrocketing by an astonishing 1,000 percent. The surge is largely fueled by supporters of English and Scottish football teams, who together account for 65 percent of all Boston-related travel searches. The city will host a total of seven World Cup matches, including two knockout stage games, attracting fans eager to watch their teams in action.

Scotland’s national team will kick off their campaign in Boston against Haiti on June 13, triggering a tenfold increase in searches from Scottish fans compared to the English fans looking to attend England’s match against Ghana on June 23. Additionally, Scotland’s high-profile clash with Morocco on June 19 is expected to draw even more spectators to the city.

New York and Miami Follow Close Behind

Following Boston, New York has secured the second spot as a leading destination for football fans, with Miami closely trailing in third. These cities will host a mix of group stage and knockout matches, drawing diverse international crowds.

Dallas Sees Surge Driven by Japanese Fans

Dallas, Texas, has also seen a dramatic rise in travel searches, climbing 900 percent as the city prepares to host nine World Cup matches. England will open their campaign in Dallas against Croatia on June 17, while four knockout stage matches will also take place in the city. Interestingly, the largest share of travel interest for Dallas comes from Japanese fans, who account for roughly one-third of searches. Japan will play its opening match against the Netherlands on June 14, followed by another game on June 25 against one of Albania, Poland, Sweden, or Ukraine, making Dallas a prime destination for Asian football travelers.

Most Budget-Friendly Host Cities

For budget-conscious travelers, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico offer the most affordable accommodation options, with average hotel rates around £179 per night (approximately Rp4 million). In the United States, San Francisco stands out as the most cost-effective city for World Cup visitors, with average nightly rates of £194 (around Rp4.3 million).

On the other end of the spectrum, Vancouver, Canada, is the priciest host city, with hotel rates averaging £475 (Rp10.6 million) per night. U.S. cities including New York, Seattle, and Boston follow closely behind, with average rates of £366 (Rp8.2 million), £362 (Rp8 million), and £344 (Rp7.7 million), respectively, reflecting their high demand and central roles in the tournament schedule.

A Global Football Magnet

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be not just a football extravaganza but also a major tourism boom for North America. Cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico are witnessing unprecedented interest from fans around the world, from Europe to Asia. With iconic matches, competitive ticket availability, and a variety of accommodation options, football enthusiasts are gearing up for a summer filled with excitement, culture, and unforgettable experiences in some of the continent’s most dynamic cities.