It may still seem far away, but for those eager to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, planning can never start too early. With the Netherlands (hopefully) qualifying again, this is the perfect opportunity to combine an amazing trip to the USA and Canada with a once-in-a-lifetime sporting event. And why stay in just one city when there’s so much more to explore? With Alamo.nl, you can pick up your rental car in one city and drop it off at another—ideal for a roadtrip! We’ve mapped out three incredible routes that take you through some of the host cities of the FIFA World Cup.

Image

Explore the Charm of New England

In northeastern USA, you can easily combine three host cities: Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. These east coast cities are perfect for an unforgettable roadtrip, as they are relatively close (by American standards). Pick up your rental car in Boston and explore everything New England has to offer—try delicious lobster rolls in Maine, drive along the Connecticut coast, or visit one of the Ivy League universities like Brown, Harvard, or Yale.

Catch a World Cup match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, just a 45-minute drive south of Boston. This stadium will host five group stage matches and two knockout games, taking place between June 13 and July 9.

Head south through Connecticut and Rhode Island, and before you know it, you’ll arrive in the bustling metropolis that is New York City. A city like no other! From Times Square and Central Park to the Statue of Liberty and beyond, there’s no shortage of sights to see. Make use of your rental car to explore, as the city is immense. MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey—just a 30-minute drive from NYC—will host five group stage matches and three knockout rounds, including the final! Matches here will be played from June 13 to July 19.

The final stop: Philly. Philadelphia is easy to reach from NYC, with just a two-hour drive separating the two cities. You can also make a few scenic stops along the way, whether you choose to go along the Jersey Shore or visit historic landmarks like Harrisburg or Gettysburg. Once in Philly, there’s plenty to experience—run up the Rocky Steps, admire street art and museum exhibits, and of course, try the legendary Philly Cheesesteak. At Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia, five group stage matches will take place from June 14 to June 27.

These three cities are a perfect combination for a World Cup roadtrip. Want to take it even further? Drive (or fly) south and catch a match in Atlanta or Miami—after all, you're already on the East Coast!

Image

A Texas Road Trip

Two host cities in the same state? That’s a perfect combination! With Houston and Dallas, Texas offers two great options for your World Cup adventure. From Schiphol Airport, you can fly directly to Houston—an ideal starting point for your journey.

Houston is best known as the city of space exploration. We all know the famous phrase "Houston, we have a problem." The NASA Space Center is a must-visit, where you can learn all about space travel and the legendary Apollo 13 mission. Plus, Houston is just an hour’s drive from the Gulf of Mexico, perfect for a beach getaway. With June temperatures averaging 30°C, it’s the perfect summer destination.

That’s why it’s great that NRG Stadium, which will host five group stage matches and two knockout rounds, is an indoor stadium. Matches will take place between June 14 and July 4.

Next stop: Dallas, the second Texas host city, about a four-hour drive from Houston. But don’t just drive straight there—take the scenic route and explore other Texan gems along the way. The state capital, Austin, is famous for its vibrant live music scene and outdoor activities. It’s also ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Another great stop is Fort Worth, just before you reach Dallas. Here, you’ll already start seeing Texas Longhorn cattle, and twice a day, you can witness an old-fashioned cattle drive through the streets!

Once in Dallas, it’s time for your World Cup match. The AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys (the most valuable sports team in the world), is located in Arlington, right between Dallas and Fort Worth. This massive venue will host five group stage matches and four knockout rounds between June 14 and July 16.

Want to extend your trip beyond Texas? Drive eight hours up north to Kansas City, where four group-stage matches will be played. Your route will take you through Oklahoma, a stretch of Route 66, and countless famous BBQ spots before you arrive in Missouri.

Image

California Dreamin’

California is another state with two host cities: Los Angeles and San Francisco. These two iconic destinations are perfectly connected and are already among the most popular road trip routes in the U.S.

Los Angeles has so much to offer that you could easily spend a full week exploring. Visit Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Hollywood, and the Walk of Fame, or check out world-class art museums. A rental car is essential in LA, so make sure to pick it up as soon as you arrive. SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood near LAX airport, is a brand-new stadium. It will host five group stage matches, including two games featuring Team USA, as well as three knockout rounds between June 13 and July 10.

Before heading to San Francisco, plan your route wisely! There are two fantastic options:

LA – Las Vegas – San Francisco:

Drive four hours through Joshua Tree National Park and the Nevada desert to Las Vegas. Vegas is a city like no other, take your time to fully experience it. From there, it’s a nine-hour drive through Yosemite National Park, one of the most breathtaking national parks in the U.S.

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1):

For an unforgettable coastal drive, take Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Along the way, stop at Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Big Sur for some of the most stunning ocean views imaginable. The total drive takes around eight hours.

Once in San Francisco, embrace the tourist experience: walk the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, and explore Fisherman’s Wharf. Your World Cup match will be played just outside the city in Santa Clara. The Levi’s Stadium will host five group-stage matches and one knockout round between June 13 and July 1.

Do you have some extra time? Seattle and Vancouver are also host cities, just 2.5 hours apart from each other, separated by an international border. Vancouver will host two group-stage matches for Team Canada, while Seattle will feature a Team USA match—perfect for supporting the home teams!

Good to Know

You can easily pick up your rental car in one city and drop it off in another city. While there are usually one-way fees, some routes don’t have any extra costs—like LA to SF or Houston to Dallas. Even international rentals are possible! Pick up your rental car in Vancouver, drive across the border to Seattle, and return it there stress-free.