International soccer: exclusive travel inspiration beyond the pitch in 2026

The Central region comprises Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas and Kansas City. Begin your journey in Mexico City, where over 80,000 passionate fans will attend the tournament's first match at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca on June 11. Beyond the stadium, immerse yourself in the capital's artistic heritage with a private visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum, or organize a curated tour of Diego Rivera’s distinctive murals across the city. For adventure and luxury combined, embark on a helicopter tour of the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, where you can gaze at breathtaking perspectives of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon set against rugged mountains. 

Mexico's two other host cities, Monterrey and Guadalajara, are equally ideal for cultural immersion. Monterrey invites you to hike gorgeously rugged landscapes in the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, or to explore its charming Barrio Antiguo, a historic quarter filled with elegant 19th-century buildings and vibrant bistros. In Guadalajara, the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, discover insights into Mexico’s national spirit when you embark on an exclusive tequila distillery experience. 

Attending games in the US? Dallas is hosting nine matches, including four knock-out games. While you're here, weave a private ranch trip into your travels – these curated heritage experiences feature trail rides, rodeos and campfires against the spectacular backdrop of the Texan hills. If you're planning to be at one of Houston's seven matches, immerse yourself in the city's world-famous gastronomy, from classic Tex-Mex to Southern comfort food. Kansas City, in addition to hosting six matches, offers the luxury traveler a renowned jazz scene.

Travel tip: Ask your Sofitel concierge for help booking a VIP hospitality package. They'll also be able to curate special itineraries for you in your destination cities for a bespoke international soccer tournament experience.

Find sanctuary at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, in the heart of the city yet only a 30-minute drive from Estadio Azteca. Between cheering on your team, stroll through nearby Chapultepec Park, recharge with a signature massage at the 39th-floor spa or savor mezcal pairings curated by expert sommeliers in the elegant Freehouse bar.

Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and Vancouver are the four West Coast locations hosting international soccer matches in 2026. A USA fan? Set your sights on the Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, when your team kicks off its campaign with the first fixture of the tournament on US soil. In this city where dreams take flight, the beautiful game finds its stage amid palm trees and endless possibilities. Browse Rodeo Drive’s exclusive boutiques, or uncover LA’s history and character on a private tour of iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame. Spend blissful afternoons browsing centuries of art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and decadent evenings savoring the best of Pacific cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants. 

The San Francisco Bay Area will be hosting six games, including one round-of-32 match on July 1. Consider making Sofitel LA your base for the Bay Area – it’s just over an hour away by helicopter, with a 10-minute drive between the stadium and the airport, allowing you to avoid the crowds. Our concierge can plan your perfect pre-match day trip, whether you prefer indulging in curated vineyard tours in Napa, learning about architectural design with an expert guide at the Golden Gate Bridge or exploring the renowned Beaux-Arts War Memorial Opera House on a special behind-the-scenes tour.    

Moving north, the action kicks off in Vancouver with a Group B match on June 13. In this scenic Canadian city, surround yourself with wildlife and natural beauty with a kayak trip in English Bay, and savor culinary masterpieces paired with award-winning British Columbian wines. If you’re attending one of the six matches in Seattle, find some time to sip artisanal coffee in a boutique roastery or to immerse yourself in the city’s thriving music landscape.

Travel tip: If you're planning to attend matches in more than one host country, remember to meet the separate entry requirements for each.

Epitomizing the marriage of French art de vivre and Hollywood glamor, Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is your tranquil haven in LA. Just 10 miles, or a swift 20-minute drive, from the stadium, this exclusive retreat offers sleek rooms and suites that are luxurious yet understated, along with an outdoor pool for sultry afternoons in the Californian sunshine. Tiptoe into Vendôme Clinique & Spa for a revitalizing massage or beauty treatment, then sample the natural flavors of Southern Californian cuisine at cozy Esterel restaurant.

Six locations are in the Eastern group: Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami and New York/New Jersey. Canada takes to the pitch for their opening match on home turf in Toronto on June 12. If you're an epicurean, you're in the right place: this multicultural city's global dining scene, particularly around Queen Street West close to Toronto Stadium, makes it ideal for hosting celebrations that honor each participating nation. 

Group C matches start on June 13 in Boston, a city as famed for its intellectual sophistication as its revolutionary heritage. Elevate your time in this distinctive city with a curated tour of the Freedom Trail, exploring significant American Revolution sites, followed by a private sunset harbor cruise.   

Beginning on June 14 with a Group E fixture, Philadelphia is hosting six matches. Here, walk the cobbled streets of Old City with a local historian to hear the stories behind iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, then gaze at masterpieces from around the world on a private docent-led tour of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

Heading south, mark June 15 in your diary if your country is in Group H, with opening matches in Miami and Atlanta. Between rooting for your team, learn about Miami’s exquisite Art Deco architecture on a guided tour with a local historian, or enjoy an intimate evening of jazz at one of Atlanta’s most exclusive venues.

Just like the tournament, conclude your international soccer experience in New York/New Jersey, where the much-anticipated finals take place on July 19. As well as watching the trophy being triumphantly raised, embark on a curated art tour of the top galleries in Chelsea before a genteel evening in a Parterre box at the Metropolitan Opera. Prefer the art of slow living after the festivities? Find tranquility with an afternoon stroll through Central Park, followed by an exclusive wine tasting masterclass featuring rare vintages.

Let Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square immerse you in its refined embrace. Retreat to tranquil suites with glittering skyline views between matches, or savor French-inspired gastronomy at intimate Chez Colette. Only 6 miles from Philadelphia Stadium.

Just 8 miles from the stadium, Sofitel New York stands as a beacon of French elegance in the heart of Manhattan, where you can retreat from the tournament's exhilarating energy into spaces designed with Parisian sophistication. Our renowned concierge services are ready to make your stay in New York truly outstanding, from arranging private transfers to matches to securing exclusive reservations at top fine dining restaurants for your celebrations.