Known during the tournament as the New York New Jersey Stadium, MetLife is the 'Centre of the World' and the prestigious host of the World Cup Final on July 19.
Image: Myron Mott / Unsplash
If you are already feeling that familiar itch of tournament fever, you aren’t alone. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and for South Africans looking to trade the winter chill for an American summer, the scale of this thing is hard to wrap your head around.
We aren't just talking about a few stadiums scattered across a province; we are talking about eleven massive cities in the United States spread across three time zones.
Before you dive into the logistics, remember the golden rule for South African travellers: get your B-2 tourist visa sorted as soon as possible.
The queues at the consulates in Jozi, Cape Town, and Durban are only getting longer as the June 11 kickoff approaches.
You will also want to keep a close eye on the opening ceremony in Mexico City, where our very own Tyla is set to headline the celebrations. It is a massive moment for us, especially as Bafana Bafana officially kicks off the tournament against Mexico on that very same night.
Here is the breakdown of the 11 US host cities and what to expect in each location.
New York/New Jersey: Known during the tournament as the New York New Jersey Stadium, MetLife is the "Centre of the World" and the prestigious host of the World Cup Final on July 19. It is a massive 82,500-capacity venue located just across the river from Manhattan. You can expect a high-energy, melting-pot atmosphere where every culture on earth is represented in the local fan zones.
Known during the tournament as the New York New Jersey Stadium, MetLife is the "Centre of the World" and the prestigious host of the World Cup Final on July 19.
Image: Axel Sorin / Pexels
Philadelphia: This is a city built on history and a legendary, unapologetically intense sports culture. Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) will host matches right around the US's 250th anniversary on July 4, which is going to be an experience like no other. Between games, you can walk through the birthplace of American democracy or grab a proper cheesesteak in South Philly.
This is a city built on history and a legendary, unapologetically intense sports culture.
Image: Kelly / Pexels
Boston: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) offers historic charm mixed with modern coastal life. Located in Foxborough, it features a unique 218-foot signature lighthouse with an observation deck overlooking the pitch. It’s the perfect home base if you want to combine world-class soccer with the brick-lined streets and revolutionary history of one of America’s oldest cities.
Gillette Stadium offers historic charm mixed with modern coastal life.
Image: Mohammed Shonar / Unsplash
Atlanta: The heart of the South is home to Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), easily one of the most high-tech venues on the planet. It features a retractable "pinwheel" roof and a massive 360-degree halo scoreboard. Atlanta is also a major flight hub with direct connections to South Africa, and it will be a key site for the semifinals.
The heart of the South is home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, easily one of the most high-tech venues on the planet.
Image: Kelly / Pexels
Miami: Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) will host the third-place match and offers a vibrant mix of Latin flavour and a world-class party atmosphere. If you want your World Cup experience to include white-sand beaches, Art Deco architecture, and a nightlife scene that never slows down, Miami is the place to be.
The Hard Rock Stadium will host the third-place match and offers a vibrant mix of Latin flavour and a world-class party atmosphere.
Image: Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash
Dallas: In Texas, everything is bigger, and Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), famously called "The Death Star", is no exception. With a capacity of over 92,000 and a semifinal on the cards, this is a massive focal point for the tournament. Expect huge fan festivals and plenty of iconic Tex-Mex hospitality.
In Texas, everything is bigger, and Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), famously called "The Death Star", is no exception.
Image: Terrance Barksdale / Pexels
Houston: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium) sits in a global space and energy hub with a food scene that rivals any coastal city. It’s a diverse, sprawling metropolis where you can visit NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in the morning and catch a high-stakes knockout match in the evening.
Kansas City: Don't let the "small town" label fool you; Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium) holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar. Known as the "Soccer Capital of America," this city is the spiritual home of the world's best BBQ. It’s a must-visit for any South African braai master looking for some serious inspiration.
Los Angeles: The entertainment capital of the world, where Hollywood glamour meets the iconic Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium). This indoor-outdoor architectural marvel will host a separate US opening celebration on June 12, featuring another performance by Tyla. It’s surrounded by a massive entertainment complex, so the vibe remains electric long after the final whistle.
This indoor-outdoor architectural marvel will host a separate US opening celebration.
Image: Johnathan Kaufman / Unsplash
San Francisco Bay area: Tech-forward and scenic, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) in Santa Clara sits in the heart of Silicon Valley. The entire Bay Area is leaning into the event, with official Fan Festivals spread across San Francisco and San Jose, offering a perfect blend of innovation and coastal beauty.
Tech-forward and scenic, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) in Santa Clara sits in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Image: Robert Hernandez Villalta / Pexels
Seattle: The "Emerald City" is famous for its coffee culture and some of the loudest, most passionate fans in the country. Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) offers a horseshoe-shaped design with stunning views of the city skyline. It’s a haven for nature lovers who want to balance the intensity of the matches with a bit of Pacific Northwest greenery.
Lumen Field offers a horseshoe-shaped design with stunning views of the city skyline.
Image: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash