If you’re traveling to the USA to check out FIFA matches in one or more of its 11 host cities, you’re in luck. Many U.S. FIFA stadiums are home to top NFL teams. They feature cutting-edge technologies and world-class amenities, and they’re designed to ensure exceptional fan experiences. But to make sure your trip is a seamless and hassle-free one, check out this World Cup travel guide to avoid the most common travel mistakes.

Assuming That Stadiums Are in Host Cities

Are you planning to watch a FIFA match at the Los Angeles SoFi Stadium? Do you have tickets to a game at San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium? Unfortunately, these US stadiums and others are many miles away from their host cities.

Rather than being located in Los Angeles proper, SoFi Stadium lies 12.6 miles away in Inglewood, California. If traffic is moderate to light, you can expect a 26-minute drive to and from the venue.

San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium is 42 miles away in Santa Clara. If you book your lodging in San Francisco, you’ll have to drive 45 minutes or more to reach your match. You can expect similar travel times when going by bus or by train.

No matter which US host city you’re visiting, map the distance to its stadium before choosing accommodations. You’ll save money and time by booking a hotel, motel, or vacation rental that’s closer to where you need to be.

Purchasing Tickets From Non-Official Sources

Get your FIFA tickets by visiting FIFA.com/tickets. For ticket purchases and digital check-ins, you can also download the FIFA World Cup 2026 mobile app. These are the only official and secure platforms for doing so.

If you want to buy discounted or last-minute tickets via resellers and ticket exchanges, you should still use one of these official FIFA platforms. FIFA has a Resale/Exchange Marketplace within its app. FIFA strictly voids all tickets sold on unauthorized third-party platforms, even if these tickets were originally authentic.

Waiting Until the Last-Minute to Book

FIFA is using dynamic pricing for all tournament matches and parking passes. Ticket prices will rise as demand increases and fall whenever it decreases. Before the tournament starts, fans can nab tickets for early group-stage games for as little as $60 in several locations. No matter which host city you’re visiting or when, the sooner that you purchase your tickets, the less you’ll pay.

Booking early will also help you save money on your flights, car rental, official FIFA parking passes, hotel, and more. Don’t wait until the last minute to get what you need. Domestic flight and hotel prices could surge by as much as 400% once the tournament begins. Worse still, many hotels and vacation rentals won’t have remaining vacancies, and flights along all popular routes could be sold out.

Read more: What to pack for a World Cup trip in North America

Carrying Prohibited Items to Stadiums

Don’t make the mistake of carrying prohibited items to stadiums, especially if traveling by train, shuttle, or bus. Lacking a vehicle to store them in, you’ll either have to miss your match or toss them out.

In addition to weapons and pyrotechnics, stadiums don’t allow fans to bring drones, folding chairs, camera mounts, air horns, or laser pointers. Don’t bring outside food or beverages, and leave behind all large, opaque bags. Most stadiums only allow fans to bring in small, clear plastic bags and their personal items.

Not Learning Special TSA Guidelines and Time-Saving Hacks for FIFA

Learning how to successfully navigate checkpoints manned by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a key part of World Cup Travel to USA host cities. Even if you’ve traveled into or throughout the US before, there are several FIFA-specific TSA rules to know.

Much like FIFA stadiums, the TSA has a list of prohibited “game day” items. Many of these are the same items that you cannot bring into stadiums, including fireworks, pyrotechnics, and air horns.

Be sure to have your RealID, passport, or other TSA-approved identification ready for display when arriving at checkpoints. To expedite security clearances and successfully navigate airports in host cities, check out the TSA’s list of airport-specific tips. For host cities like Atlanta, Seattle, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Houston, you can get info on terminal access, onsite parking, nearby transportation, and more.

Trying to Walk to Stadiums

Some stadiums are within easy walking distance of downtown areas or local subway stations. For instance, Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, Seattle’s Lumen Field, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta are very pedestrian-friendly. But for other FIFA stadiums in the US, walking might be prohibited.

Officials strictly prohibit walking to the New York/New Jersey MetLife Stadium. Because this venue is surrounded by massive highways and parking lots, fans must drive in, use ridesharing services, or take shuttles. Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City isn’t walkable either. Not only is walking into these venues unsafe, but it’s also against local laws.

Bringing Cash Only

Don’t make the mistake of traveling solely with cash. In 2026, FIFA World Cup stadiums will be almost entirely digital. In fact, several FIFA stadiums in the USA can’t accept cash payments at all. These include NRG Stadium in Houston, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and Seattle’s Lumen Field. Expect paperless ticketing, parking passes, and concessions. Be sure to keep your debit card, credit card, or digital wallet handy for most of your World Cup travel in the USA host cities.

Poor Transportation Planning

When it comes to optimizing your FIFA transportation plans, remember that every host city is different. Do your research before purchasing FIFA tickets, booking your lodging, and deciding whether to rent a car. San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston have robust transportation systems. But when stadiums are significant distances away from their host cities, you must make sure that there’s adequate public transportation to them.

Be prepared to pay the high costs of official FIFA parking passes. In most locations, fans will spend between $75 and $175 for single-day, single-car passes. However, with FIFA’s dynamic pricing plan, the cost of an official parking pass in a high-demand location could be $400 or higher. Although renting a car will give you the freedom to come and go as you please, using local rideshare services or booking a shuttle may be more economical.

When planning World Cup travel in USA host cities,understand your targeted location and make the most of its amenities. By carefully planning your trip and booking early, you can avoid these common travel mistakes and watch your favorite teams stress-free.