COUNT DOWN TO KICK OFF

June 11, 2026 | 3:00 PM EST

Stadium Profile

Stadium Profile

1. MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Stadium Capacity: 67,382
Getting to the Stadium
The Easy Way: Take MARTA (Atlanta’s subway). Get off at Vine City or Dome/GWCC station and walk 5 minutes. Trains run every 10-15 minutes. Buy a Breeze Card at any station—$2.50 per ride or $9 for unlimited daily pass. The train will be PACKED with fans, which is half the fun.
Important: Keep your ticket/pass—you’ll need it to exit at your destination.
If You’re Ubering: Drop-off is at Gate 1 on Northside Drive. Expect surge pricing to be brutal after the match (3x-5x normal). Walk a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting your ride to avoid the chaos and save money.
Driving? Don’t: Parking is $30-50 minimum, and you’ll sit in traffic for an hour trying to leave. If you must drive, book parking ahead on SpotHero or ParkWhiz to save $10-20.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: This stadium is WILD. The roof opens like a camera aperture—eight petals that spin open in 7 minutes. Look up and you’ll see the “Halo Board,” a 360-degree video screen that wraps around the entire stadium. It’s mesmerizing.

When it’s over 85°F outside (which it will be), they’ll close the roof and crank the AC. You’ll be comfortable while it’s 95° and humid outside.

The Food Situation: Here’s the kicker—Mercedes-Benz has the CHEAPEST food in professional sports. $2 hot dogs, $2 sodas, $3 nachos. This is not a typo. Owner Arthur Blank decided to keep prices low for fans. You can actually eat without taking out a loan.

Must-try: The Chick-fil-A chicken and waffle sandwich. Get one at the Chick-fil-A stand.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: Only clear plastic bags 12″x6″x12″ or smaller, or small clutches (4.5″x6.5″)
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • What to bring: Sunscreen (if roof is open), phone charger, light jacket (AC can be cold)
  • What NOT to bring: Backpacks, outside food/drinks, umbrellas, large bags
Best Seats for Atmosphere: Sections 101-136 (lower bowl) put you close to the action. If you want to be with the rowdy fans, sit behind the goals (Sections 101-111 or 126-136). For the best overall view, grab seats in 111-125 along the sideline.
The upper deck (300 sections) is fine too—views are still great and tickets are cheaper.

2. AT&T STADIUM

Location: Arlington, Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth area)
Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 Stadium Capacity: 70,122
Getting to AT&T Stadium
The Reality: There’s no good public transit to Arlington. You’re driving, Ubering, or taking a chartered bus from Dallas/Fort Worth.
Uber/Lyft: This is what most people do. From Dallas: $30-50 (20 miles, 30-45 minutes). From Fort Worth: $20-30 (15 miles, 20-30 minutes). Surge pricing after matches will be BRUTAL—expect 3x-4x normal rates.
Pro tip: Walk to Texas Live! (entertainment complex next door) after the match, hang out for 30-60 minutes while surge pricing drops, THEN request your ride.
Driving: Parking at AT&T costs $75 for official lots. Private lots nearby are $30-50—arrive 3+ hours early for big matches or you’ll circle forever.
Tailgating is huge here. Lots open 4+ hours before kickoff. Bring a cooler, grill, and make friends.
From Dallas by Train: Trinity Railway Express (TRE) connects Dallas and Fort Worth but DOESN’T go to Arlington. Some tour companies run shuttle buses from TRE stations to the stadium on match days—check closer to your match date.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: AT&T Stadium is absurd. The retractable roof spans 660,000 square feet (one of the world’s largest). The video screen hanging from the ceiling is 160 feet wide and 72 feet tall—it’s impossible to miss, literally.

Glass doors at both ends can open for an outdoor feel while keeping the roof closed. When it’s 100°F outside, the roof stays closed and they pump AC to keep it at 72°F inside.

This is Jerry Jones’ palace—ridiculous in the best way.

The Food Situation: Standard stadium pricing ($10 beers, $8 hot dogs), but the quality is decent. Texas BBQ stands, Whataburger (Texas fast-food icon), Mexican food, all available.

The Cowboys Pro Shop is massive—biggest team store you’ll see. Worth walking through even if you don’t buy anything.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • Stadium tours: Available for $32.50 on non-match days (see locker rooms, field)
  • Retractable roof: Will be CLOSED for comfort (it’s Texas in summer)
Best Seats: Lower bowl sidelines (Sections C111-C148) for best views. If you want the rowdy experience, sit behind the goals in the lower sections. The upper deck (400s) is fine—the video board makes it easy to follow action.

3. SOFI STADIUM

Location: Inglewood, California (Los Angeles area)
Address: 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301 Stadium Capacity: 69,650
Getting to SoFi Stadium
The Best Option: Metro K Line (opened 2024) goes straight to SoFi! Take it to SoFi Stadium/Hollywood Park station. From downtown LA: Take Expo Line to Crenshaw, transfer to K Line. From Santa Monica: Expo Line to Crenshaw, transfer to K Line. Total trip: 45-60 minutes, $1.75.
This is the EASIEST World Cup stadium to reach by public transit in the US. Use it.
Uber/Lyft: From Santa Monica: $25-50 (depending on traffic and surge pricing) From Hollywood: $30-60 From Downtown: $25-45
Surge pricing after matches will be insane. Walk to Hollywood Park (shops around the stadium) and wait 30 minutes for prices to drop.
Driving: Official parking is $60-100. Book ahead at sofi stadium.com/parking. Parking lots open 4 hours before kickoff.
From LAX Airport: Only 4 miles away! Uber is ~$20, or take the free LAX Shuttle to Aviation Station, then K Line to SoFi.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: SoFi cost $5.5 BILLION (most expensive stadium ever built). It has a translucent ETFE canopy roof that covers the seats but leaves the field open-air—so you’re protected from sun but still feel the breeze.

The Oculus Board is insane—120 yards long, double-sided 4K screen hanging over the field. You can see it from everywhere.

Important: There’s NO climate control. The canopy provides shade, but it still gets warm. Bring sunscreen and a hat.

The Food Situation: This is an upscale stadium. Expect $15 beers, $12 nachos. But food quality is good—sushi, craft beer, gourmet tacos, all available.

Hollywood Park surrounds the stadium with shops, restaurants, and bars. Great for pre/post-match.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle (empty, you can fill inside)
  • Best time to arrive: 90 minutes early to explore Hollywood Park
Best Seats: Sections 129-146 (lower bowl sidelines) for prime views. The upper deck (500 sections) is steep but views are still incredible thanks to the Oculus Board.

4. METLIFE STADIUM

Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York metropolitan area)
Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 FIFA Capacity: 78,576
Getting to MetLife Stadium
NJ Transit Train (BEST OPTION): From Penn Station (Manhattan 33rd St), take NJ Transit train to Meadowlands Sports Complex station. They run express trains on match days that go straight there—30 minutes, $10-15 round trip.
Trains will be PACKED after the Final. Consider waiting 30-60 minutes at the stadium, grab food/beer, let the crush pass.
Buses: Coach USA runs buses from Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St) to MetLife. $10-20 round trip, 45 minutes.
Uber/Lyft: From Manhattan: $50-80 normally, surge pricing will be INSANE after the Final (possibly $200+). Only do this if you’re splitting with a group.
Driving: Parking is $40-75. Book online at MetLife website. From Manhattan, take Lincoln Tunnel to Route 3 West. Expect heavy traffic.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: MetLife is home to both the Giants and Jets—the only stadium in the NFL shared by two teams. It’s MASSIVE (82,500 normally) and has hosted Super Bowls, concerts, and Copa America.

Bad news: No roof. You’re exposed to July heat and humidity. Bring sunscreen, hat, and water.

The Grass Situation: MetLife normally has artificial turf, but they’re installing natural grass for the World Cup (lessons learned from Copa America 2024 disasters). The drainage system uses stabilized fiber technology.

The Food Situation: Standard stadium fare. $12 beers, $8 hot dogs, $10 nachos. NYC-style pizza available. Nothing special but it gets the job done.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff (expect longer lines for the Final)
  • Security: Airport-level screening, arrive early
  • Best seats: Sections 111-125 (lower level sidelines)
The World Cup Final: This is THE match. Security will be intense. Plan to arrive 3+ hours early. Bring patience.

5. NRG STADIUM

Location: Houston, Texas
Address: NRG Parkway, Houston, TX 77054 Stadium Capacity: 68,311
Getting to NRG Stadium
Metro Rail (Best Option): Take the Red Line to NRG/Stadium station. From downtown: 15-20 minutes, $1.25. Trains run frequently on match days.
The station drops you right at the stadium complex. Easy, cheap, and you’ll ride with tons of fans.
Park & Ride: Houston has Park & Ride lots in suburbs where you can park free and take express buses to NRG. Check the METRO website for routes.
Uber/Lyft: From downtown: $15-25 normally, surge pricing after matches. From Midtown: $12-20. Drop-off is at designated ride-share zones.
Driving: Parking is $30-60. NRG Park has 26,000+ spaces across multiple lots. Arrive 2+ hours early for big matches or you’ll circle forever. Book parking ahead online.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: NRG was the FIRST NFL stadium with a retractable roof (opened 2002). It opens/closes in just 7 minutes—ten massive fabric panels move on rails. When it’s 95°F and humid outside, the roof will be CLOSED and AC cranking.

The stadium hosts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every year, so there are actually livestock facilities underneath the stands. Yes, really.

The Food Situation: Houston BBQ, Tex-Mex, and standard stadium fare. $10-12 beers, $8-10 food. The quality is decent. Try the brisket nachos.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • Bring: Sunscreen (if roof is open), light jacket (AC is cold when roof is closed)
  • Best seats: Sections 109-128 (lower bowl sidelines)
Pro Tip: The roof might open for the last 20 minutes if the weather cools down—it makes for a dramatic finish.

6. GEHA FIELD AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM

Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Address: 1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO 64129 Stadium Capacity: 67,513
Getting to Arrowhead Stadium
The Challenge: Arrowhead is 10 miles east of downtown in a complex with no rail transit. You’re driving, Ubering, or taking a party bus.
Uber/Lyft: From downtown/P&L District: $20-30, surge pricing after matches. Drop-off zones are clearly marked.
Driving & Tailgating: This is Chiefs Kingdom—tailgating is a WAY OF LIFE. Parking lots open 4+ hours before kickoff. People set up grills, TVs, and full bars. Parking is $40-60 for official lots.
Many locals sell parking on their lawns/driveways for $20-30—perfectly legal and common.
Party Buses: Some hotels and bars organize party buses to the stadium. Check with your hotel or local bars.
Taxi: Old-school cabs work too, about the same price as Uber.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Arrowhead holds the Guinness World Record for LOUDEST OUTDOOR SPORTS VENUE (142.2 decibels—that’s jet engine level). Chiefs fans are insane. Expect that energy for World Cup matches.

The stadium has no roof, classic football bowl design. It’s all about the atmosphere.

The Food Situation: KC BBQ everywhere. Burnt ends, ribs, brisket nachos. $8-12 for food, $10-12 for beer. Quality is solid.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff (get there early for tailgating)
  • Wear red: When in doubt, wear red (Chiefs colors)
  • Best seats: Sections 109-124 (lower bowl sidelines)
Weather Note: No roof means you’re exposed to elements. Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. July heat + humidity is real.

7. LEVI'S STADIUM

Location: Santa Clara, California (San Francisco Bay Area)
Address: 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054 Stadium Capacity: 69,391
Getting to Levi's Stadium
Caltrain + VTA (Best Option): Take Caltrain from San Francisco to Mountain View or Santa Clara station, then transfer to VTA Light Rail to Levi’s Stadium stop. Total: 90-120 minutes, $10-15.
On match days, Caltrain runs extra trains. The ride is scenic and you’ll meet other fans.
From San Jose: VTA Light Rail from downtown San Jose to Levi’s Stadium, 30 minutes, $2.50.
Uber/Lyft: From San Francisco: $60-90 (45 miles, 60-90 min with traffic) From San Jose: $20-30 (10 miles, 20 min)
Surge pricing after matches will be brutal. Walk to nearby restaurants and wait it out.
Driving: Parking is $40-60. Book ahead at levisstadium.com. From San Francisco, take US-101 South. Traffic can be heavy—leave 2+ hours before kickoff.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Levi’s is modern (opened 2014), LEED Gold certified (green building), and has tons of tech integration (Silicon Valley, after all). Solar panels, green roof for temperature control, cutting-edge everything.

No roof—you’re exposed to sun, but June weather is usually perfect (70-80°F).

The Food Situation: Upscale stadium food: sushi, craft beer, gourmet options. $12-15 beers, $10-14 food. The quality is good.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • Best seats: Sections 109-128 (lower bowl sidelines)
  • Weather: Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, but also a light jacket for evening

Pro Tip: Explore the Stadium Green (outside the stadium) before the match—food trucks, beer garden, fan activities.

8. LUMEN FIELD

Location: Seattle, Washington
Address: 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134 Stadium Capacity: 65,123
Getting to Lumen Field
Link Light Rail (BEST OPTION): Take the 1 Line to Stadium station. From downtown: 10 minutes, $3. From airport: 38 minutes, $3.
The station is literally under the stadium. This is the easiest stadium access in the entire tournament.
Walking: If you’re staying downtown (Pioneer Square, Pike Place area), the stadium is 10-15 minutes on foot. Very doable.
Uber/Lyft: From downtown: $8-15, but unnecessary—just walk or take the train.
Driving: Parking is $30-50. Traffic around the stadium gets messy. Take the train instead.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Lumen Field has a partial roof that covers 70% of seats but leaves the field open. This design AMPLIFIES crowd noise—it’s one of the loudest stadiums in sports (137.6 decibels recorded). Seahawks fans are legendary, and that energy carries to Sounders matches.

The open north end provides views of downtown Seattle’s skyline.

The Food Situation: Pacific Northwest fare: salmon, craft beer, local food. $10-12 beers, $8-12 food. Quality is solid.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • Best seats: Sections 121-140 (lower bowl sidelines)
  • Weather: June is usually perfect, but bring a light jacket just in case
Pro Tip: The north end open-air section (Hawks Nest) offers cheaper seats and a party atmosphere.

9. GILLETTE STADIUM

Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts (Boston area)
Address: 1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035 Stadium Capacity: 63,815
Getting to Gillette Stadium
The Problem: Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, 28 miles southwest of Boston. There’s no direct subway. You’re taking a train + shuttle, driving, or Ubering.
MBTA Commuter Rail + Shuttle: Take the Providence/Stoughton Line from South Station or Back Bay to Foxborough station. Then catch the Gillette Stadium shuttle bus (free on match days). Total: 60-90 minutes, $10-15 round trip.
Trains run extra service on match days, but they WILL be packed after the match. Expect to wait or stand.
Uber/Lyft: From Boston: $50-80 (28 miles, 45-60 min without traffic). Surge pricing after matches will be brutal. Consider waiting at Patriot Place (shopping center) for 30-60 minutes.
Driving: Take I-95 South to Route 1 South. Parking is $40-60. Arrive 2+ hours early for big matches. Traffic leaving is a nightmare—consider staying for post-match beers.
Organized Buses: Some hotels and bars run buses to the stadium. Check with your hotel.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Gillette Stadium is home of the New England Patriots (6 Super Bowl wins). The lighthouse structure is iconic—there’s a new one being built for the World Cup.

They’re adding 75,000 sq ft of glass-enclosed hospitality space specifically for the tournament.

No roof—you’re exposed to weather. June/July should be pleasant (70-80°F), but bring sunscreen.

The Food Situation: Standard stadium fare plus New England specialties—clam chowder, lobster rolls (overpriced but available). $10-12 beers, $8-12 food.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • Best seats: Sections 109-139 (lower bowl sidelines)
  • Weather: Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

Pro Tip: Patriot Place (outdoor mall next door) has restaurants and bars. Great for pre/post-match hangouts.

10. HARD ROCK STADIUM

Location: Miami Gardens, Florida (Miami area)
Address: 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 Stadium Capacity: 64,091
Getting to Hard Rock Stadium
The Challenge: Hard Rock is in Miami Gardens, 15 miles north of downtown. No rail transit reaches it. You’re driving, Ubering, or taking a bus.
Uber/Lyft: From South Beach: $30-50 (20 miles, 30-45 min) From Downtown/Brickell: $25-40 (15 miles, 25-35 min)
Surge pricing after matches will be insane. Walk to nearby restaurants or shops, wait 30-60 minutes for prices to drop.
Driving: Take I-95 North to NW 199th Street. Parking is $40-75. Arrive 2+ hours early. Traffic is brutal.
Bus: Miami-Dade Transit has limited bus service to the stadium. Check routes closer to match dates.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Hard Rock has a PARTIAL canopy that covers the seats but leaves the field open. This provides shade from the brutal Miami sun while keeping air flowing.

The stadium has hosted 6 Super Bowls, multiple national championships, and the Miami Open tennis tournament.

Important: Even with shade, it’s HOT and HUMID in July. Drink water constantly.

The Food Situation: Standard stadium fare with Latin flair. $10-12 beers, $8-12 food. The quality is decent.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • Bring: Sunscreen, hat, water bottle (empty, fill inside)
  • Best seats: Sections 113-146 (shaded sideline lower bowl)
Weather Strategy: Sit on the shaded side if possible. The sun is relentless.

11. LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Address: 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Stadium Capacity: 65,827
Getting to Lincoln Financial Field
SEPTA Subway (BEST OPTION): Take the Broad Street Line (orange) to NRG Station. From Center City: 15 minutes, $2.50.
The station is right at the Sports Complex (four stadiums in one area). Easy and cheap.
Uber/Lyft: From Center City: $12-20, surge pricing after matches.
Driving: Parking is $30-50 in official lots. The stadium is part of a sports complex, so there’s TONS of parking. Still, arrive early for big matches.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Lincoln Financial Field (locals call it “The Linc”) is home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles fans are INTENSE—they once booed Santa Claus. Expect that energy.

No roof—you’re exposed to elements. June weather should be fine (70-80°F), but bring sunscreen.

The Food Situation: Philly specialties: cheesesteaks, hoagies, soft pretzels. $8-12 food, $10-12 beers.

Stadium Rules:

  • Clear bag policy: 12″x6″x12″ maximum
  • Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • Best seats: Sections 108-128 (lower bowl sidelines)
Fan Culture: Philly fans are passionate and loud. Don’t wear rival team colors—you’ll get heckled (mostly good-natured, but still).

12. BMO FIELD

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address: 170 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Stadium Capacity: 44,315
Getting to BMO Field
Streetcar (EASIEST): Take the 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst streetcar to Exhibition Place/BMO Field. From downtown: 15-20 minutes, $3.25.
Streetcars will be PACKED on match days, but it’s the best option.
TTC Subway + Streetcar: Take the subway to Union Station, then catch the 509 or 511 streetcar.
Uber/Lyft: From downtown: $10-18, surge pricing after matches.
Walking: From downtown (Harbourfront area): 20-30 minutes along the waterfront. Nice walk in June.
Driving: Parking $20-40 at Exhibition Place. But transit is easier.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: BMO Field is where Canada ENDED their 36-year World Cup drought—they qualified for Qatar 2022 here in front of home fans. The atmosphere was electric.

The stadium normally seats 30,000 but will be temporarily expanded to 45,000 for the World Cup.

Historic Significance: Canada plays their opening match here on June 12. The emotion will be massive.

Stadium Rules:

  • Canadian stadiums are similar to US (clear bag policies)
  • Best seats: Lower bowl sidelines
Weather: June in Toronto is perfect—bring sunscreen but otherwise comfortable.

13. BC PLACE

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Address: 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 Stadium Capacity: 48,821
Getting to BC Place
SkyTrain (EASIEST): Take the Expo or Millennium Line to Stadium-Chinatown station. From downtown: 5-10 minutes, $3.
The station is literally under the stadium. Super easy.
Walking: From downtown (Gastown, Yaletown): 10-15 minutes. Very walkable.
Uber/Lyft: Uber only recently came to Vancouver (2019). $10-15 from most downtown locations.
Driving: Parking $20-35 nearby. Transit is easier.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: BC Place has the WORLD’S LARGEST CABLE-SUPPORTED RETRACTABLE ROOF. It opens/closes in 20 minutes, creating an open-air or enclosed stadium. The stadium hosted the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final—incredible atmosphere.

Downtown Location: The stadium sits in the heart of downtown with False Creek, mountains, and the city surrounding it. The location is unbeatable.

Stadium Rules:

  • Canadian standards (similar to US)

Best seats: Lower bowl sidelines for views

Weather: June is perfect—the roof will likely be OPEN for beautiful Vancouver weather.

14. ESTADIO AZTECA (Mexico City Stadium)

Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Address: Calz. de Tlalpan 3465, Coyoacán, 04650 Ciudad de México Stadium Capacity: 72,766
Getting to Estadio Azteca
Metro (BEST & CHEAPEST): Take Line 2 (blue) to Tasqueña station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the stadium.
Metro costs 5 pesos (about $0.30 USD). It’ll be PACKED on match days but it’s an experience. Watch your valuables.
Uber/Lyft: From Centro Histórico: $8-15 (12 miles, 30-60 min depending on traffic). Surge pricing happens.
Uber is safe and cheap in Mexico City. Use it freely.
Driving: Don’t. Mexico City traffic is some of the worst in the world. Parking is chaotic. Take the Metro or Uber.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Estadio Azteca is LEGENDARY. It hosted TWO World Cup Finals (1970 and 1986), where Pelé and Maradona both lifted the trophy. It’s the ONLY stadium to host 3 World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026).

This is where Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” happened (1986 quarterfinal vs England).

Altitude: 7,200 feet (2,195 meters) above sea level. The ball travels farther, players tire faster, and you’ll feel it in your lungs. Drink water, take it slow.

The Atmosphere: Mexican fans are LOUD and passionate. Expect constant chanting, singing, and the famous “PUTO!” yell (controversial, FIFA hates it, fans don’t care).

Stadium Rules:

  • Mexican stadiums are less strict than US venues
  • Bring your ticket, ID, and essentials
  • Best seats: Lower bowl sides for best views and atmosphere
Food: Street vendors outside sell tacos, tortas, elotes (grilled corn). Inside is typical stadium fare.

15. ESTADIO AKRON (Guadalajara Stadium)

Location: Zapopan, Jalisco (Guadalajara area), Mexico
Address: Circuito J.V.C. 2800, El Bajío, 45014 Zapopan Stadium Capacity: 44,330
Getting to Estadio Akron
Uber (EASIEST): From Centro: $6-10 (10 miles, 20-30 min). Uber is cheap, safe, and reliable in Guadalajara.
Surge pricing is minimal compared to US cities.
Taxi: Similar prices, but use authorized taxis (sitios) or Uber for safety.
Driving: Free parking available in surrounding areas. The stadium is in a suburb (Zapopan), easy to reach by car.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Estadio Akron (opened 2010) is home to Chivas de Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s most popular teams. The stadium is built into a hillside with a unique bowl design.

Grass-covered exterior walls blend it into the landscape—it’s architecturally stunning.

The Atmosphere: Chivas fans are INTENSE. Expect non-stop chanting, singing, and passion.

The energy is incredible.

Stadium Rules:

  • More relaxed than US stadiums
  • Bring ID and ticket
  • Best seats: Lower bowl for atmosphere
Weather: June means possible afternoon rain. The stadium is open-air—bring a light rain jacket.

16. ESTADIO BBVA( Monterrey Stadium)

Location: Guadalupe, Nuevo León (Monterrey area), Mexico
Address: Av. Pablo Livas 2011, La Pastora, 67140 Guadalupe Stadium Capacity: 50,113
Getting to Estadio BBVA
Uber (BEST OPTION): From Centro/Barrio Antiguo: $5-10 (8 miles, 15-20 min). Uber is cheap and reliable.
From San Pedro: $3-6 (5 miles, 10-15 min).
Driving: Easy parking available nearby. The stadium is in Guadalupe (suburb), accessible by highway.
Inside the Stadium

What Makes It Special: Estadio BBVA (opened 2015) is STUNNING. The Nuevo León mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop—you’ll see them from every seat. It’s the most photographed stadium of the tournament.

Modern design, excellent sightlines, and passionate Rayados fans create a great atmosphere.

The Views: Seriously, the mountain backdrop is incredible. Sunset matches are especially beautiful.

Stadium Rules:

  • Standard Mexican stadium rules (more relaxed than US)
  • Bring ID and ticket
  • Best seats: Any sideline section for mountain views

Weather: Hot and dry in June. Bring sunscreen. The stadium is open-air.

Staying Connected: SIM Cards & Communication Guide

For Visitors Travelling to the USA, Canada & Mexico for FIFA 2026
The following social media apps are free (unlimited use): Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Twitter. Most plans include these at no extra cost regardless of your data limit — great for staying in touch with friends back home.
For World Cup travel, eSIM is almost always the easier option — you can set it up before you even board your flight.
Before We Start: What’s an eSIM? An eSIM is a digital SIM that lives inside your phone — no physical card needed. You buy it online, scan a QR code, and it activates in minutes. Most smartphones made after 2018 support eSIM (iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer).
UNITED STATES
You’re in luck. The US is one of the easiest countries in the world to get connected as a foreigner. No ID usually required, SIM cards are available everywhere, and the networks are excellent across all 11 host cities. There are three main mobile internet providers in the USA: Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, and they all sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

Carrier

Best For

Coverage

Price Range

Website

T-Mobile

Urban areas, best 5G

Excellent in all host cities

From $50/month unlimited

AT&T

Rural + urban balance

Very wide, including highways

From $30/month (15GB)

Verizon

Most reliable nationally

Best in remote/rural areas

From $40/month

Where to Buy
The process is straightforward, and there’s no legal restriction for foreigners. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a month, prepaid and temporary SIM options are widely available. No, most prepaid SIM cards in the USA don’t require a local address or identification.
You can pick one up at:
  • Airport kiosks — convenient but pricier (JFK, LAX, MIA all have them)
  • Carrier stores — T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon branches in every host city
  • Walmart, Target, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens — cheapest in-store prices
  • Online — order before you travel and have it delivered or use eSIM
CANADA
Canada works similarly to the US but there’s one important difference: Canada’s telecom landscape is dominated by the “Big Three” — Rogers, Bell Canada, and Telus. The downside is that Canadian SIM cards are amongst the most expensive in the world, so eSIM is often the smarter choice.

Carrier

Best For

Coverage

Price Range

Website

Telus

Best overall coverage

Widest national coverage

~$45 CAD (4.5GB/30 days)

telus.com

Bell

Best prepaid deals

Excellent, especially eastern Canada

~$40 CAD (25GB/30 days)

bell.ca

Rogers

Best 5G network

Strong in Toronto & Vancouver

~$45 CAD (varies)

rogers.com

Note: It is mandatory in Canada to bring your passport into the store so that the staff can register it with your SIM card. Most major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) offer data packages that include coverage in Canada and Mexico — so check your US plan before buying a separate Canadian SIM
MEXICO
Mexico is the easiest and most affordable of the three countries for SIM cards. Mexico’s mobile market is one of the largest and most advanced in Latin America, with nearly 127 million active connections in 2025 and expanding 4G and 5G coverage across major regions.

Carrier

Best For

Coverage

Price Range

Website

Telcel

Best overall, rural included

#1 nationwide coverage, 5G in major cities

From ~$5 USD (1.3GB/15 days)

AT&T Mexico

Urban areas + cheapest plans

Strong in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey

From ~$5 USD (1.5GB)

Movistar

Budget option, cities only

Good in urban areas, weaker in rural

From ~$5 USD (4GB)

FINAL TIPS
Before you leave home:
  • Check if your phone is unlocked — if not, contact your carrier to unlock it before travelling
  • Check if your phone supports eSIM — if so, set one up before your flight and activate it when you land
  • Check if your home carrier offers international roaming packages for North America — sometimes it’s cheaper than buying a new SIM
At the airport:
  • Don’t panic-buy at airport kiosks — prices are always 20-40% higher than in the city
  • Connect to the free airport WiFi first, then research your SIM options calmly