The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be an expansive tournament spanning 16 cities across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. While major destinations like Miami, Toronto, Mexico City, Boston, and Los Angeles are key hosts, the event also offers a chance to discover smaller yet equally captivating metropolises. These locations are well worth exploring, even without a match ticket.
1. Kansas City, USA
When Dorothy said, 'Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore,' she likely didn't mean to disparage the state. Yet that line from The Wizard of Oz remains a cultural touchstone, alongside the Kansas City Chiefs for American football fans and Swifties. Interestingly, there are two Kansas Cities: one in Missouri and one in Kansas. World Cup matches will take place at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Chiefs. Beyond sports, this midwestern city is renowned for its barbecue joints—order the local specialty, burnt ends, which are crispy, fatty, charred cubes of smoked beef brisket in barbecue sauce—and jazz bars like Lonnie's Reno Bar. For background, visit the American Jazz Museum. Don't miss the giant shuttlecock sculptures at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which offers free entry.
2. Guadalajara, Mexico
As the capital of Jalisco, the state famous for tequila, Guadalajara offers much more than just spirits. Historic Guadalajara is rich in culture and mariachi bands—guarantee a sighting at restaurants like Casa Bariachi. On Sundays from 8am to 2pm, certain roads close to traffic for cycling. Spend hours exploring street art and murals in the city centre while snacking on tacos and birria (slow-cooked stewed meat, often goat, with corn tortillas). Alternatively, visit Bosque Los Colomos for trees, a picnic, and a tranquil Japanese garden.
3. Philadelphia, USA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is more than the 'Rocky Steps' leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but those 72 steps are a must. You'll also need to try a Philly cheesesteak—super-thin slices of ribeye steak with gooey provolone cheese and caramelised onions in a soft roll. Then explore America's first World Heritage City, where the Founding Fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and Constitution at Independence Hall. See the Liberty Bell, a symbol of abolitionism and civil rights, shop at Reading Terminal Market, and walk or bike along the Delaware River Trail for skyline views.
4. Monterrey, Mexico
Monterrey may offer the most spectacular stadium view: from Estadio BBVA, you can see the massive Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain), part of the Sierra Madre range, ideal for experienced hikers. The state capital of Nuevo León is a business hub with the Gran Plaza, where you can experience the city's buzz and spot landmarks like the 19th-century Government Palace. Enjoy colourful buildings and cafés in the historic Barrio Antiguo, order goat cooked over coal, and visit Fundidora Park, set in a former steelworks with its blast furnace still in place.
5. Houston, USA
For space enthusiasts, Houston, Texas, is a must-visit. Space Center Houston offers a new immersive show, 'The Moonwalkers,' narrated by Tom Hanks, along with tram tours past astronaut training areas and a permanent spacesuit collection. Elsewhere, catch a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre, including summer symphony nights and a Shakespeare Festival. Explore art galleries like the Rothko Chapel, The Orange Show, and the Menil Collection. Discover bars and vintage shops in the Montrose neighbourhood, then relax on the grass at Buffalo Bayou Park.
