2026 World Cup Schedule Sparking a North American Travel Surge
SPORTS
Roadtrips, a leader in premium sports travel experiences, is offering custom-designed 2026 FIFA World Cup™ travel packages that allow soccer fans to focus on the excitement of the matches while leaving the complex logistics to the experts.
If you’ve been waiting for the "right time" to start planning your 2026 World Cup adventure, the clock just started ticking. Following the official release of the tournament's 104-match schedule, soccer fever has officially reached a boiling point across North America.
With 48 teams competing across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is set to be the largest and most complex sporting event in history. For fans, this means one thing: the time to book is now.
A Tournament of Historic Proportions
The sheer scale of this edition is unprecedented. Starting on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and culminating in the grand finale at MetLife Stadium on July 19, the tournament will span three nations and four time zones.
Early data suggests fans are already moving quickly. Since the schedule release, some host markets have seen a 298% year-over-year increase in nights sold and a 552% jump in RevPAR (revenue per available room). Markets like Kansas City and Guadalajara are already experiencing a massive lift in net reservations as fans scramble to secure a home base near the action.
Why Early Booking is Critical
Industry experts are sounding the alarm on travel logistics. “Planning a World Cup trip has never been more complicated,” says Dave Guenther, President of Roadtrips, a leader in luxury sports travel.
With millions of fans descending on North America, several factors are creating a perfect storm for travelers:
Hotel Scarcity: While inventory exists, prime locations near stadiums and "Fan Fests" are disappearing rapidly. In some U.S. cities, hotel rates have already surged by 55% year-over-year.
Logistical Complexity: Fans aren't just staying in one city. Many are following their national teams across thousands of miles, necessitating multi-city flights and ground transportation that will only get more expensive as the tournament approaches.
Record Demand: FIFA recently announced that the random-selection ticket draw generated a record-shattering 150 million requests in just the first 15 days—making the event 30 times oversubscribed.
Solutions for the Modern Fan
To navigate this complexity, platforms like Roadtrips and Crewfare are offering streamlined solutions. Roadtrips provides fully customizable travel packages that include access to a curated collection of over 60 hotels across all 16 host cities. Meanwhile, Crewfare has launched a dedicated booking platform where every room night booked supports local community initiatives, from youth programs to housing.
Whether you're looking for a luxury experience or a community-focused stay, the message from travel providers is unanimous: those who wait for the knockout rounds to book will likely find themselves on the outside looking in.
As North America prepares to welcome the world, the 2026 World Cup isn't just a tournament, it's a massive logistical puzzle. Secure your piece of the puzzle early to ensure you're in the stands when the first whistle blows.