California Joins Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Others in Supercharging US Tourism for 2026 FIFA World Cup with Major Infrastructure, Stadium Upgrades, and More: Everything You Need To Know

Published on November 22, 2025

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, California joins Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and others in supercharging U.S. tourism with major infrastructure and stadium upgrades to host the global event. These states are investing heavily in enhancements that will not only accommodate the thousands of international visitors expected, but also leave a lasting impact on local economies and communities. From improved transit systems to transformed stadiums, each region is preparing to provide a seamless and unforgettable experience for fans. Here’s everything you need to know about the preparations shaping up across the country.

New York: Enhancing Infrastructure for the World Cup

New York is undergoing major infrastructure upgrades to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. One of the most significant developments is the $2 billion AirTrain Newark project, which aims to improve transit connections between Newark Liberty International Airport and the surrounding areas. This new system will offer faster and more reliable transport options for the thousands of international visitors expected for the event. Additionally, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host the World Cup Final, is making modifications to accommodate the wider natural grass pitch required by FIFA. These changes, combined with the region’s ongoing investments, are expected to leave a lasting legacy of improved transportation and stadium facilities.

New Jersey: MetLife Stadium’s Transformation for the Big Event

In New Jersey, MetLife Stadium is undergoing significant changes to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where it will host the prestigious World Cup Final. The stadium will have to make adjustments to its lower bowl seating to allow space for a wider natural grass pitch, as mandated by FIFA. Beyond the stadium itself, the region is focused on capitalizing on the event to boost its economy, with projections estimating a $3.3 billion economic impact and the creation of over 26,000 jobs. Additionally, Liberty State Park in New Jersey will host the official FIFA Fan Festival, further cementing the region’s role as a key destination during the tournament.

California: Transforming Stadiums and Infrastructure for Global Stage

California is undergoing extensive renovations to its stadiums in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area are making necessary adjustments to accommodate FIFA’s requirements, including replacing or retracting lower-bowl seating to create space for the wider natural grass pitch. SoFi Stadium will play a major role in hosting the US Men’s National Team opener and a Quarter-final match. Alongside these stadium changes, California is using the World Cup to accelerate public transit improvements in Los Angeles, while the San Francisco Bay Area is focusing on enhancing emergency response readiness through large-scale disaster drills.

Texas: Preparing for Global Broadcast and Downtown Revitalization

Texas is investing heavily in infrastructure improvements as Dallas and Houston prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Dallas will serve as the tournament’s operational hub, with the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center transforming into the International Broadcast Center (IBC) and Tournament Operations Center. To support this, Dallas is investing up to $15 million in capital improvements, including roof repairs, drainage upgrades, and climate control. In Houston, the city is revitalizing its downtown with the creation of the Main Street Promenade, a new pedestrian district designed to improve walkability and green spaces. Both cities will also replace artificial turf with temporary natural grass fields in their stadiums to comply with FIFA’s requirements.

Georgia: Creating a Sustainable Legacy for World Cup Visitors

Atlanta is focusing on sustainability and technology as it prepares to host a Semi-Final match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the 2026 World Cup. The stadium is undergoing modifications to replace its artificial turf with a natural grass field, which will be installed within its retractable roof. In addition to stadium upgrades, the city is focusing on sustainability initiatives, such as reducing environmental impacts and making its facilities more energy-efficient. The Centennial Yards project, located near the stadium, is a major development aimed at creating a lasting legacy of improved infrastructure. With its proximity to Atlanta’s airport and downtown, the city is well-positioned to serve as a model for future international events.

Florida: Upgrading Hospitality for Global Visitors in Miami

Miami is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with a strong focus on hospitality and transportation upgrades. Hard Rock Stadium, which will host seven matches, including the Third Place Play-off and a Quarter-final, is undergoing minor renovations to install a temporary natural grass pitch. The city is also working closely with regional tourism partners to manage the influx of international visitors. This includes enhancing transportation services and improving hospitality infrastructure to ensure a smooth experience for visitors. Miami’s status as a global tourist destination will further be reinforced during the tournament, showcasing its world-class appeal to football fans from across the globe.

Massachusetts: Strategic Upgrades to Boston’s Gillette Stadium

Boston is preparing for the 2026 World Cup by making significant renovations to Gillette Stadium, which will host several matches during the tournament. The stadium is undergoing multi-phase upgrades to enhance premium seating areas and improve fan amenities. Additionally, the venue’s artificial turf will be replaced with temporary natural grass to meet FIFA’s specifications. To accommodate the expected large crowds, Boston’s transportation authorities are developing comprehensive plans to manage crowds and improve access to the Foxborough stadium, which is located outside the city center. These changes will showcase the renovated stadium and contribute to Boston’s growing reputation as a top-tier sports destination.

Expanded Preparations Across the U.S.

Beyond California, states such as Georgia and Massachusetts are likewise ramping up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In Georgia, Atlanta’s transit authority is deploying new electric buses and railcars, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is earmarked for roughly $200 million in upgrades ahead of its semi-final match. In Massachusetts, the region surrounding Gillette Stadium is undergoing infrastructure improvements, including the expansion of the Foxboro commuter rail station to handle thousands of fans per match. These efforts illustrate how multiple states are leveraging the tournament to drive long-term infrastructure and tourism gains.

Conclusion

California is joining key states like Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, and New Jersey in supercharging U.S. tourism for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Through major infrastructure improvements, stadium upgrades, and strategic investments, these states are enhancing their appeal as global destinations. With the tournament expected to draw millions of international visitors, these efforts will leave a lasting impact on transportation, hospitality, and local economies, making the U.S. a prime host for this prestigious event. The collective preparations promise a world-class experience for fans and a booming tourism industry.