By Miguel Gomez and Orrin Benn
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be a historic event—featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities. Announced in 2018, this North American partnership promised a unified celebration of soccer. However, as the tournament nears, international fans are gravitating toward Mexico and Canada, driven by fears of stringent U.S. travel restrictions under President Donald Trump’s second term. These policies, combined with a lingering perception of inhospitality, are overshadowing the U.S.’s role as the primary host, set to stage 78 matches, including the final, across 11 cities.
Mexico and Canada, hosting 13 matches each, are emerging as more welcoming destinations. In Mexico, games will take place in Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron), and Monterrey (Estadio BBVA). Canada’s matches will unfold in Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place). Their accessible entry policies, vibrant soccer cultures, and inclusive atmospheres contrast sharply with the U.S.’s challenges, making them the preferred choices for global fans.
Tourism Booms in Mexico and Canada as U.S. Travel Suffers Under Trump
The contrasting tourism outlook across North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is stark. While Mexico and Canada anticipate a tourism surge tied to the global event, the United States is experiencing a sharp decline in international interest, largely attributed to the return of restrictive travel policies under President Donald Trump’s second term.
According to the International Trade Administration, the U.S. saw a 12% drop in overseas visitors in March 2025 compared to the previous year. The decline is even more severe in key regions: Western Europe down 17%, Central America 24%, and the Caribbean 26%. Tourism Economics warns of a projected loss of $9–$64 billion in tourism revenue for 2025, with an estimated $90 billion GDP impact due to canceled trips. A YouGov poll in April revealed that 68% of global fans now prefer Mexico or Canada for World Cup travel, citing “visa fears” and “border scrutiny” as major deterrents to visiting the U.S.
Meanwhile, Mexico is preparing for a soccer-fueled tourism boom. Authorities forecast a 30% increase in international arrivals during the tournament, driven by initiatives such as “soccer tourism routes” that connect host cities to cultural landmarks. Guadalajara alone expects to generate $500 million in local revenue. Affordable accommodations, visa-free access for over 60 countries, and the introduction of “fan visas” further enhance Mexico’s appeal.
Photo: Depositphotos.com
Canada is experiencing a similar wave of optimism. Tourism Toronto projects more than 700,000 international visitors during the World Cup, potentially generating $850 million in tourism-related income. Vancouver anticipates a 60% spike in hotel occupancy, bolstered by its partnerships with local Indigenous tourism organizations offering cultural programming. Massive infrastructure investments, including a $200 million SkyTrain expansion and the promotion of carbon-neutral travel, are positioning Canada as a global hospitality leader.
Unlike the U.S., where entry processes are fraught with complexity and uncertainty, Mexico and Canada are embracing the World Cup as a gateway to long-term tourism growth. Experts predict that both countries will enjoy lasting benefits in visibility and global travel interest well into 2027 and beyond.
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Mexico: A Soccer Sanctuary with Open Doors
Mexico’s three host cities offer a rich soccer heritage, having hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986. The Estadio Azteca’s $150 million renovation will make it the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches, enhancing its allure.
The Azteca will host five of the 13 matches Mexico will play in the World Cup, Photo: Depositphotos.com
Mexico’s visa policies are a stark contrast to the U.S. Over 60 countries, including most of Europe and Latin America, enjoy visa-free entry for up to 180 days. Others can obtain an affordable Electronic Authorization ($20–$40). The Mexican Tourism Ministry plans to introduce “fan visas” by mid-2025 to streamline World Cup travel. Accommodations average $80–$150 per night, compared to $200–$400 in U.S. cities, and enhanced security, including a 10% increase in federal police, ensures safety.
Cultural and Soccer Passion
Mexico’s soccer culture is electric, with fan zones planned to feature mariachi, street food, and cultural showcases. The passion of Liga MX fans, coupled with proximity to attractions like Chichen Itza and Puerto Vallarta, makes Mexico a holistic destination for fans seeking both sport and adventure.
Canada: A Safe and Inclusive Haven
Canada’s host cities, Toronto and Vancouver, are capitalizing on the nation’s growing soccer scene, boosted by stars like Alphonso Davies and the 2022 World Cup appearance. Toronto will host matches at BMO Field, while Vancouver’s BC Place will offer games amidst scenic views and modern infrastructure.
BMO Field will host the Toronto matches. Photo: Depositphotos.com
Efficient Entry and Safety
Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) costs $7 CAD and is processed within hours for visa-exempt travelers from over 50 countries. Visa-required applicants face 30–60 day processing times, far shorter than the U.S.’s 400-day backlogs. Canada ranks 8th on the 2024 Global Peace Index, compared to the U.S.’s 129th, offering reassurance to fans.
Multicultural Appeal
Toronto’s 50% foreign-born population and Vancouver’s blend of Indigenous and immigrant communities create a truly global festival atmosphere. From Afro-Caribbean celebrations in Toronto to the fusion of Asian and First Nations traditions in Vancouver, both cities are set to be cultural hubs during the World Cup. Language support centers, multilingual signage, and inclusive fan programming are being implemented to ensure no visitor feels like an outsider.
Canada’s commitment to sustainability adds a modern edge. Vancouver’s $200 million SkyTrain upgrade and the federal government’s $500 million infrastructure investment will support eco-friendly transit. Both cities aim to deliver a carbon-neutral tournament, aligning with FIFA’s environmental goals and attracting climate-conscious fans.
Moreover, Canada Soccer is partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations, refugee groups, and accessibility advocates to ensure every type of fan feels welcome. Events like the “World Fan Village” in Toronto will host nightly entertainment, pop-up international food markets, and live match screenings with ASL interpretation.
Photo: Depositphotos.com
Fan Sentiment: Where Welcome Matters
The 2026 World Cup’s success hinges on fan experiences, and Mexico and Canada are poised to deliver. Fans are praising Canada’s “diverse, safe cities” and Mexico’s “unmatched soccer vibe,” while criticizing U.S. “visa nightmares” and “hostile borders.” The U.S.’s advanced stadiums, like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, are overshadowed by fears of arbitrary detentions and complex entry processes.
Mexico and Canada Take the Lead
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will showcase North America’s diversity, but Trump’s 2025 travel restrictions are dimming the U.S.’s appeal. Mexico’s passionate soccer culture and open borders, paired with Canada’s inclusivity and clean, modern, efficient cities, position them as the tournament’s true gems. For fans seeking a seamless, joyful World Cup experience, the heart of 2026 beats strongest north and south of the U.S. border.
