HomeTrip ideasSportThe world's greatest football celebration comes to North America this summer

The world’s greatest football celebration comes to North America this summer

3 countries, 16 cities, 104 matches. Fly Turkish Airlines to catch this historic summer celebration stretching across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Turkish Airlines Blog
Turkish Airlines Blog
With this account, managed by our writer team, we welcome all who love travel and exploration to enjoy these blog posts. And we gently remind our readers of the delight to be found in 'hitting the road'. As Tolstoy said: โ€œAll great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.โ€

The biggest stage of the world football

In the summer of 2026, the world will gather in three North American countries: the United States (USA), Canada, and Mexico. After months of anticipation and years of preparation, the venues that will host this massive football event have finally been announced. Here, you can find travel guides to the host cities and much more.



Host: The United States of America

From the Pacific coast to the Atlantic, from the desert sun to the New England autumn; 11 host cities in the USA are preparing for the 2026 Grand Tournament. These 11 host cities will host 60 different matches. Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have been selected to represent the West region. Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Kansas City are in the Central region. Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami will host the unforgettable football matches of the summer of 2026 in the East region. Below you can browse travel articles and flight tickets for the host cities. If you wish, you can also explore our content on the world’s most iconic stadiums to further your interest in football and sports.


Host: Canada

Canada is hosting a football celebration on this scale for the first time. From the multicultural fabric of Toronto to the Pacific vistas of Vancouver, the country’s two coasts meet football this summer.


Host: Mexico

Home to one of football’s most iconic stadiums, Mexico finds the heartbeat of the game moving through three of its cities this summer. A route unfolds from Guadalajara, the birthplace of mariachi, to Monterrey at the foot of the Sierra Madre, and on to Mexico City, where the historic Estadio Azteca stands.


Frequently asked questions

Which cities are hosting matches?

This year’s grand football celebration unfolds across 16 cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In the USA: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Kansas City, and Philadelphia. From Canada: Toronto and Vancouver. From Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

What should I keep in mind at border crossings for a trip covering the USA, Mexico, and Canada?

A journey across the USA, Canada, and Mexico can involve strict security procedures at border crossings. The basic rule is to meet each country’s entry requirements separately. Make sure your passport and visas remain valid for the full duration of your trip.

Are there direct flights from Istanbul to the host cities?

Yes. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights to most of the host cities. The full list:

  • USA: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia (with connection), San Francisco, Seattle
  • Canada: Toronto, Vancouver (with connection)
  • Mexico: Mexico City

Where are the Tรผrkiye National Football Team’s group matches?

The Tรผrkiye National Football Team is in Group D alongside hosts USA, Paraguay, and Australia. The group stage begins in Canada and wraps up in California. The first match is against Australia on Sunday, 14 June 2026 at 07:00 Tรผrkiye time, at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. The second is against Paraguay on Friday, 19 June at 06:00 Tรผrkiye time, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The third and final group match is against hosts USA on Thursday, 25 June at 05:00 Tรผrkiye time, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

My dates aren’t fixed yet. Can I still book?

Yes. The flexible-date calendar on the flight search page lets you compare flexible ticket options and the most affordable dates. Once your dates are confirmed, you can update your booking; refund and change conditions depend on the ticket type you select.

Can Miles&Smiles members earn Miles on these trips?

Yes. Flights with Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines earn Miles in your Miles&Smiles account. The amount of Miles earned varies according to your ticket’s flight class and your membership tier. Accumulated Miles can be used for award tickets on future trips, cabin upgrades, or services offered by Miles&Smiles programme partners.

*The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

More from our blog