US Travel Primer: Flying, Transit, and Fan IDs for 11 Host Cities
Eleven US cities host 2026 World Cup matches, most a 4+ hour flight apart. Here's the practical playbook — fan ID, SEATAC-to-NYC routing, public transit to each stadium, and what the TSA line looks like in June.
The US hosts 11 of the 16 cities — more than Canada and Mexico combined. That’s good for availability, but bad for anyone trying to follow a team across the group stage. Logistics first.
Fan ID and tickets
FIFA is running a digital Fan ID programme similar to Qatar 2022: free, tied to your passport, required at stadium gates alongside a match ticket. Apply at the official FIFA ticketing portal at least 14 days before your first match — the turnaround can be slow during peak windows.
US Customs is separate. Arriving fans from non-ESTA countries should apply for a B-2 tourist visa 3–4 months ahead. FIFA’s letter of invitation does not fast-track a US visa interview.
Airports to stadiums
| City | Airport | To stadium | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York / NJ | EWR / JFK | MetLife Stadium | 45–75 min (train + shuttle) |
| Los Angeles | LAX | SoFi Stadium | 25 min Uber, no direct train |
| Miami | MIA | Hard Rock Stadium | 40 min Tri-Rail + shuttle |
| Dallas | DFW | AT&T Stadium | 35 min car, no transit |
| Houston | IAH | NRG Stadium | 45 min car, light rail partial |
| Atlanta | ATL | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 20 min MARTA direct |
| Boston | BOS | Gillette Stadium | 60 min commuter rail (seasonal) |
| Philadelphia | PHL | Lincoln Financial | 25 min SEPTA |
| Kansas City | MCI | Arrowhead Stadium | 30 min car |
| Seattle | SEA | Lumen Field | 20 min Link light rail |
| San Francisco | SFO | Levi’s Stadium | 60 min car (Santa Clara) |
Rough budget (per person, 3 matches)
- Flight hops (internal US, 3 legs): $600–1200
- Hotel (3 cities × 3 nights): $1500–3000
- Ticket bundle (group + r16): $800–1800 face value
- Food / transit: $600
- Total: ~$3500 floor, $6000 typical
June weather warnings
June in the US South is hot and humid. Houston NRG Stadium closes the roof. Atlanta Mercedes-Benz closes the roof. Dallas AT&T is climate-controlled. Miami Hard Rock is an open roof — expect 32°C / 90°F kickoffs. Pack electrolytes, not a parka.