From decisive matches in New York to the lively vibe of Miami, this sporting extravaganza will be an experience to be enjoyed both inside and outside the stadiums.
This year’s upcoming football FIFA World Cup promises to be very different compared with the previous ones. For that reason alone, it will be a historic moment to experience in person. For the first time, the event (2026) welcomes 48 national teams, hosted across three countries (another first): the USA, Canada and Mexico. This means more games, a longer tournament and a greater variety of fans travelling across the three countries.
For anyone wanting to follow this World Cup, it’s worth planning and booking everything in advance, using football as the starting point for an unforgettable trip.
New York: the World Cup final venue
The eight FIFA World Cup matches will take place in New Jersey, approximately 8 km / 5 miles from Manhattan. New York undoubtedly boasts a premium location, and it is recommended to stay in a hotels in downtown Manhattan, with easy transport to the stadiums. Saying that, close by there are cultural attractions, as well as some of the city’s finest cuisine, making the experience even more complete. Between matches, there’s always time to explore historic neighbourhoods, top museums or simply amble along the Hudson River.
Obviously, the most exciting day of all will be 19th July, which is when New York and New Jersey region has the honour of receiving the World Cup Final – a fitting finale to the largest tournament ever, in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Miami: third-place match and other key games
Further south, Miami will be another sporting hub of the competition. The city will host the game for third place on 18th July, on the eve of the final. The previous phase boasts the match between Portugal and Colombia (27th June), a game expected to be intense and lively, due to the large Colombian community living in the USA, who will be rooting for their team. With Miami being one of the North American cities with the greatest diversity of cultures connected to football, it will be no surprise to see lively fan zones and long celebrations after the games.
Choosing a 4-star hotel in Miami South Beach means balancing the intensity of the World Cup with moments of relaxation by the water. The Pestana South Beach Miami boasts great access to the city’s main areas, in addition to the beach, Art Deco architecture and lively nightlife, which combines perfectly with the spirit of the tournament.
