The 2026 World Cup is huge. It runs June 11 to July 19 and ends at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. I built a west‑to‑midwest route that stacks great matches with killer food and scenery. Use the official match schedule to lock your dates, then hit the road!
In my road trip guide, you’ll roll through Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and Kansas City. Open the full route map here: Seattle → Santa Clara → SoFi Stadium → AT&T Stadium → NRG Stadium → Arrowhead.
What you’ll get in this guide: a visual route, day‑by‑day stops, neighborhood food picks, and parking or transit for each stadium. I’ve also included a simple budget, ticket basics via FIFA’s ticket hub and the official resale marketplace.
How to use this guide: anchor your matchdays first, then slot the drives and food stops around them. If you score a ticket to the final, pivot east after Kansas City using the NYNJ host page to plan that last dash. Ready to roll? Here’s my ultimate road trip itinerary for the FIFA World Cup 2026!
Table of Contents
FIFA Road Trip Route at a Glance
Here’s a quick way to scope the whole drive all in one, easy-to-access place. I’ve included links to the stadium, transit, and match info below.
Seattle
- Stadium: Lumen Field
- Transit: Sound Transit to Lumen Field and event trains
- Bags: Clear bag policy
- Matches: Seattle FWC26 matches
- Next leg: Seattle → Santa Clara map
San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara)
- Stadium: Levi’s Stadium
- Transit: VTA event service to Levi’s and Caltrain Levi’s page
- Bags: Levi’s bag policy
- Matches: City of Santa Clara match dates
- Next leg: Santa Clara → SoFi Stadium map
Los Angeles (Inglewood)
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium
- Transit: LA Metro guide + free SoFi shuttle from LAX/Metro Transit Center
- Bags: SoFi bag policy
- Matches: Los Angeles FWC26 schedule
- Next leg: SoFi Stadium → AT&T Stadium map
Dallas Fort Worth (Arlington)
- Stadium: AT&T Stadium
- Parking: Official parking and lot maps
- Bags: AT&T bag policy
- Matches: Dallas FWC26 match schedule
- Next leg: Arlington → NRG Stadium map
Houston
- Stadium: NRG Stadium
- Transit: Ride METRO to NRG Park
- Bags: NRG Park A–Z and clear bag details
- Matches: Houston FWC26 matches
- Next leg: NRG Stadium → Arrowhead map
Kansas City
- Stadium: GEHA Field at Arrowhead
- Parking: Maps, directions, and lot access
- Bags: Arrowhead clear bag policy
- Matches: Kansas City FWC26 matches
- Optional pivot: If you chase the final, plan with NYNJ 2026.
Quick planning notes
- Lock dates with FIFA’s official match schedule.
- Metro shuttles and event trains change by season. Always recheck the linked transit pages the week of your match.
- Clear bag rules vary slightly by venue. Use the bag links above to avoid gate delays.
Road Trip Route and Maps for FIFA World Cup Cities
I recommend opening these now. Definitely save them offline before you drive!
Full route map
Seattle → Santa Clara → SoFi Stadium → AT&T Stadium → NRG Stadium → Arrowhead: open the full route in Google Maps.
How to save for offline use
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
- Google Maps: follow this quick guide to download offline maps.
- Apple Maps (on iOS 17 or later): here is how to save an area for offline use.
Leg 1: Seattle to Santa Clara
- Fastest: ~840 miles, ~13 hours on I‑5. Open the fastest route.
- Scenic option: US‑101 with Oregon Coast views, then redwoods. Open the coastal route.
- Detour you will love: Drive the Avenue of the Giants.
Leg 2: Santa Clara to Los Angeles
- Fastest: ~340 miles, ~6 hours via I‑5. Open the I‑5 route.
- Scenic Big Sur: CA‑1 when open is next‑level. Open the CA‑1 route.
- Road status: Check live closures on Caltrans QuickMap.
Los Angeles to Dallas–Fort Worth (Arlington)
- Best split over 2 days: ~1,435 miles, ~21 hours total. Open the I‑40 to I‑30 route.
- Iconic stops: Petrified Forest National Park, Cadillac Ranch.
- Extra detour if you have time: White Sands National Park.
Leg 4: Arlington to Houston
- Straight shot: ~260 miles, ~4 hours on I‑45. Open the route.
- Live road updates: Use Texas’ official DriveTexas conditions map.
Leg 5: Houston to Kansas City
- One long day or split in OKC: ~740 to 770 miles, ~11 to 12 hours. Open the I‑45 to I‑35 route.
- Easy halfway stop: Lunch and fuel in Oklahoma City.
EV routing and charging
- Use A Better Routeplanner for leg‑by‑leg charge planning.
- Cross‑check charger availability on PlugShare.
- Save high‑reliability sites near stadiums and hotels so you are not stuck in post‑match traffic.
My Ultimate FIFA World Cup Itinerary Through 6 US Cities (2-3 Weeks)
Days 1–2: Seattle
I recommend booking in Pioneer Square a night or two so you can walk to coffee, art galleries, and the waterfront. On match day, load ORCA on your phone and ride Link light rail to Stadium or Int’l District. Skim Lumen Field’s clear bag rules and put small items in a zip pouch so security is fast.
For pregame, start with Eater’s best restaurants around Lumen Field. If those are slammed, pivot to Seattle Met’s bars and restaurants by the stadiums. After the final whistle, I recommend checking Sound Transit’s event service and lingering ten minutes so you miss the platform crush.
I love a sunset ferry hop to Bainbridge when time allows, then a slow walk back through Pioneer Square. If you are driving south next, plan leg-stretch stops among the redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants and a quick trail in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Pack snacks so you are not stuck choosing between gas-station options.
- Read my guide: My Favorite Seattle Activities for Young Adults
Recommended Hotels near Lumen Field
| $ | Silver Cloud Hotel – Seattle Stadium | Across from stadiums; easy game-day |
| $$ | Hyatt Regency Seattle | Central downtown; transit-friendly |
| $$$ | Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts | Upscale rooms; short ride to Lumen |
Next leg: Seattle to Santa Clara or the coastal detour via the Avenue of the Giants.
Days 3–5: Seattle to Santa Clara (Pacific Northwest to California Coast)
The drive from Lumen Field in Seattle to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara runs about 850 miles, but it’s one of my favorite stretches of road in America. I love the change of scenery…forests, ocean cliffs, redwoods, and vineyards all in one long exhale of a trip. I always give myself at least three days to make the most of it.
Day 3: Seattle → Portland (175 miles / 3 hrs)
Leaving Seattle after coffee at Elm Coffee Roasters, I head south on I-5, trading skyscrapers for evergreens. The route hugs Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, where a short stop at the Johnston Ridge Observatory gives you incredible views of the crater and the wildflowers that have reclaimed it.
In Portland, I always make time for a bite at Pine State Biscuits or a beer flight at Deschutes Brewery. I like staying near the Pearl District so I can walk along the riverfront before calling it a night.
Day 4: Portland → Crescent City, CA (330 miles / 6 hrs)
This day is all about dramatic scenery. I love cutting over to the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101). It adds an hour or two, but the payoff is huge: seaside cliffs, lighthouses, and moody beaches.
Stop at Cannon Beach to stretch your legs under the shadow of Haystack Rock, then grab fish and chips in Newport or clam chowder in Florence. The drive south winds through coastal redwoods before you cross into California and reach Crescent City, gateway to the giants of Redwood National and State Parks.
I love ending the day here, walking among trees that have stood for over a thousand years…nothing grounds you quite like that.
Day 5: Crescent City → Santa Clara (330 miles / 6 hrs)
Leaving early, follow US 101 and CA-1 for a morning of redwoods and ocean air. I always ride through Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic drive beneath cathedral-tall redwoods near Humboldt. Grab coffee in Eureka’s Old Town or lunch and a glass of wine in Healdsburg, the perfect halfway pause before diving into the Bay Area.
Rolling into Santa Clara, the shift from forest to tech-modern skyline always feels surreal. Check into your hotel near Levi’s Stadium, maybe unwind with dinner at Il Fornaio or The Farmers Union, and you’ll be ready for the next match day.
- Read also: My Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary
Day 6: Santa Clara
For Levi’s, I recommend transit to keep stress low. Ride VTA event service, or connect from Caltrain via Caltrain’s Levi’s page at Mountain View.
Do a quick bag audit at the hotel. Follow the Levi’s bag policy and permitted items so you are through in minutes. For meals, work through The Infatuation’s best San Jose restaurants. I love a burrito at La Victoria Taqueria with more orange sauce than is reasonable.
After full time, I recommend waiting 20 to 30 minutes to let the first wave clear. If you are driving south, peek at Caltrans QuickMap and choose I-5 for speed or CA-1 if conditions look good. Keep water in the car for the long valley stretch.
- Read also: My Favorite Nightlife Activities in San Jose
Recommended Hotels near Levi’s Stadium
| $ | Best Western Inn Santa Clara | Good value; quick drive to Levi’s |
| $$ | Hyatt Regency Santa Clara | Walkable to Levi’s; convention center |
| $$$ | Hilton Santa Clara | Adjacent to Great America; premium stay |
Next leg: Santa Clara to SoFi Stadium. If Highway 1 is open, the Bixby Bridge route is a joy.
Days 7–8: Los Angeles
Base yourself in Inglewood or Culver City so the commute is short. I recommend riding Metro C or K to LAX/Metro Transit Center and hopping the free SoFi Stadium shuttle. That combo usually beats rideshare pricing and road closures.
Recheck SoFi’s bag policy the morning of, then build a food plan within walking distance. Eater’s guide to where to eat near SoFi is solid, and The Infatuation’s best restaurants in Inglewood covers easy backups. Hydrate early if you are in afternoon sun.
On your off hours, I love a quick beach fix at Dockweiler or a pier walk at Manhattan Beach. Sunset at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook pairs well with tacos near your hotel so you can crash early and roll out for Texas. Bring small bills for meters and beach lots.
- Read also: My Southern California Road Trip Guide
Recommended Hotels near SoFi Stadium
| $ | La Quinta by Wyndham Inglewood | Budget pick; quick rides to SoFi |
| $$ | AC Hotel Los Angeles South Bay | Modern rooms; close to LAX/SoFi |
| $$$ | Hyatt Regency LAX | Full-service; 24/7 LAX shuttle |
Next leg: Open the long SoFi to AT&T Stadium route.
Days 9–12: LA to DFW road days
This is one of my favorite long drives in the U.S! The journey from SoFi Stadium to AT&T Stadium clocks in at nearly 1,400 miles. But if you give yourself 3–4 days, it transforms from a slog into an adventure through deserts, red rocks, ghost towns, and barbecue country. Not to mention Route 66 Americana!
Day 9: Los Angeles → Flagstaff
Leaving Los Angeles at sunrise always feels cinematic. The skyline fading behind you, the desert light stretching ahead. I like taking old Route 66 through Barstow and Kingman, where vintage diners and weathered gas stations still hum with mid-century charm. As the Mojave gives way to pines, Flagstaff greets you with mountain air and brewery patios.
If I’ve got daylight, I love detouring to Walnut Canyon National Monument. Short trails like the Island Trail offer incredible views of ancient cliff dwellings tucked into the canyon walls. Dinner in downtown Flagstaff usually means a burger at Diablo Burger or a beer flight at Historic Brewing Company before calling it a night under the pines.
- Read next: Must-See American Southwest Road Trip Stops
Day 10: Flagstaff → Albuquerque
This stretch is pure desert magic. The road cuts right through Petrified Forest National Park, where ancient logs have turned to stone and the Painted Desert glows pink at sunset. I usually stop at the Painted Desert Inn Overlook. It’s a quick pull-off that delivers miles of color and silence.
Lunch in Holbrook feels like stepping back in time…I like the old-school vibe at Butterfield Stage Co. Steakhouse. Rolling into Albuquerque, the adobe glow of Old Town always gets me. I wander the plaza, grab green-chile enchiladas at El Pinto, and watch the sky fade purple over the Sandias.
Day 11: Albuquerque → Amarillo
The scenery flattens out into big-sky country…endless horizon, classic road-trip radio. About four hours in, I always stop at Cadillac Ranch just west of Amarillo. It’s kitschy and iconic. Ten vintage Cadillacs half-buried in a cow pasture, all spray-painted with layers of graffiti. Bring a can of paint and leave your mark.
If time allows, I love detouring south to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This is Texas’s answer to the Grand Canyon, with red-rock cliffs and a few short trails you can squeeze in before dusk. Back in Amarillo, I can never resist dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, where the neon glows and the portions are Texas-sized.
Day 12: Amarillo → Arlington
The final leg rolls through the heart of Texas…cattle ranches, windmills, and those wide-open skies that stretch forever. I like stopping in Abilene for a quick burger at Blue Sky Texas before heading east toward Fort Worth.
Before you settle into Arlington, make time for Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s the perfect last taste of Texas culture, with live music, longhorn parades, and barbecue joints on every corner. And then, finally, that gleaming silver dome of AT&T Stadium appears on the horizon…the finish line for your desert odyssey.
Days 13-14: Dallas–Fort Worth (Arlington)
AT&T rewards planners, so I recommend prebuying parking and studying the official lot maps and zones. Choose a lot that matches your postgame direction.
Keep your bag tiny and compliant with the AT&T Stadium bag policy. For food, block time for Eater’s best barbecue in DFW, then mix in a couple of the most tempting tacos in Dallas if waits are shorter. After the match, follow rideshare signs, often near Lot 15 per the parking page, and pad 20 minutes to dodge surge pricing.
Recommended Hotels near AT&T Stadium
| $ | La Quinta Inn & Suites DFW Airport South/Irving | Value base; easy highway access |
| $$ | Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas Arlington | ~1.1 miles to AT&T; free parking |
| $$$ | Live! by Loews – Arlington, TX | Upscale; steps from venues |
Next leg: AT&T Stadium to NRG Stadium.
Days 14-15: Houston
Here I recommend skipping parking and riding rail. Take the METRORail Red Line to Stadium Park/Astrodome and save your energy for the match.
Skim the A–Z guide and clear bag details so security is smooth. For pre or post, use Eater’s best restaurants around NRG Stadium. I also like The Infatuation’s pregame spots off METRORail so your commute stays short.
If you are driving north after, check DriveTexas and leave early to beat I-45 slowdowns. That sets you up for an easy final push into KC with a daylight arrival.
Recommended Hotels near NRG Stadium
| $ | The Greenleaf Getaway Near NRG Stadium | Low-cost; short drive to NRG |
| $$ | Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center | Rooftop pool; METRORail access |
| $$$ | Marriott Marquis Houston | Lazy-river rooftop; downtown vibe |
Next leg: NRG Stadium to Arrowhead.
Days 16–18: Houston → Kansas City (Southern Heartland Road Trip)
Leaving the Gulf heat behind and heading north toward barbecue country, this drive unfolds like a cross-section of America. Bayous, blues, rolling plains, and small towns where time slows down. I always recommend turning this into a three-day trip so you can taste, see, and actually feel the change from Texas to the Midwest.
Day 16: Houston → Waco (180–200 miles / 3–4 hrs)
Leaving NRG Stadium after one last breakfast taco, take I-45 North and branch off toward Waco, a smaller, friendlier midpoint with a fun food and culture scene. I love grabbing coffee at Common Grounds before visiting Magnolia Market at the Silos (yes, Chip and Joanna Gaines fans, it’s that Waco).
If you’re in the mood for a detour, swing west through Austin for live music and barbecue at Franklin Barbecue, then continue north to overnight in Waco or Gainesville near the Oklahoma border.
Day 17: Waco → Oklahoma City (300 miles / 5 hrs)
Crossing the Red River, Texas gives way to Oklahoma’s wide skies. I like stopping at Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia. It’s a kitschy Route 66 icon with a neon soda bottle that glows at night. Once in Oklahoma City, stretch your legs along Bricktown Canal, then reflect at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum…it’s incredibly moving.
Dinner means another round of barbecue at Iron Star Urban BBQ before checking in nearby for the night.
- Read next: My Epic Route 66 Road Trip
Day 18: Oklahoma City → Kansas City (350 miles / 5 hrs)
The final stretch is pure Americana in the Great Plains with windmills, fields, and long stretches of open road. I like starting early and stopping in Wichita, Kansas for a walk around Old Town and a sandwich at The Anchor.
Before long, you’ll roll into Kansas City, one of my favorite food cities in the U.S. Between matches, I always make a pilgrimage to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Yes, the one in the gas station…and wander through The Country Club Plaza for fountains, shops, and jazz bars.
If you’re up for one last dose of soccer vibes, stop by Children’s Mercy Park, home of Sporting KC and one of the most passionate soccer fan bases in the country. It’s a fitting finale to a drive that feels like a storybook slice of America.
Days 19–20: Kansas City
Arrowhead is timing and tailgates. I recommend reviewing the maps and directions, arriving early, and picking a lot that matches your exit so you are not circling after the game.
Security is quick when your bag meets the clear bag policy. After the match, choose your celebration. I love the counter vibe at Joe’s Kansas City, but a sit-down spread at Q39 with friends is perfect. I like to cap the night with a flight at Boulevard Brewing’s Tours & Rec Center and stash a couple cans for the hotel.
Recommended Hotels near GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
| $ | Best Western Plus Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel | Near Truman Sports Complex; value |
| $$ | Loews Kansas City | Newer rooms; streetcar access |
| $$$ | Ambassador Hotel Kansas City | Use car/ride to Arrowhead |
Flying from MCI, pad time for rental return because post-event lines can stack up. If you are chasing the final, pivot east now and plan the sprint with the NYNJ 2026 host page.
Other Road Trip Ideas for the FIFA World Cup (If You Have Time)
I’ve always loved road-tripping between these host cities. Even without a match ticket, these places bring World Cup energy, history, and amazing scenery. Whether you’re chasing barbecue, coastlines, or skyline views, these detours make the trip just as special as the games.
1. Atlanta, Georgia — Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Every time I visit Atlanta, the skyline hits me with energy…sleek, green, and alive with music. Mercedes-Benz Stadium sits right in the middle of that buzz, home to the Falcons and Atlanta United FC. Even outside match days, it’s worth a stop for the architecture alone (that retractable roof is wild). I love walking the Atlanta BeltLine, which strings together street art, breweries, and parks. It’s a must after grabbing wings from Busy Bee Café.
2. Miami, Florida — Hard Rock Stadium
Miami always feels like a celebration. Hard Rock Stadium is where fútbol meets beach vibes, and even when it’s quiet, the tailgate energy lingers. I recommend driving the coast from Houston…through the bayous of Louisiana, the beaches of Pensacola, and down to palm-lined Miami Gardens. Once here, I never skip Little Havana for Cuban sandwiches or sunset walks on South Beach.
3. Boston / Foxborough, Massachusetts — Gillette Stadium
Living in Boston, I’m always proud to see Gillette Stadium on the World Cup map. It’s not just a venue…it’s a full-day experience with Patriot Place restaurants, tailgate zones, and that New England buzz. Even between games, I love wandering the Freedom Trail, catching live music at Faneuil Hall, or a Sox game at Fenway. If you’re road-tripping up here from New York, the coastal stretch through Mystic and Providence is pure charm.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Lincoln Financial Field
Philly’s the kind of city that wears its passion on its sleeve, and that includes soccer. Lincoln Financial Field packs the same fire as Eagles games. I love spending mornings in Old City exploring history before indulging in the inevitable cheesesteak debate…Pat’s vs. Geno’s. If you’re heading north after, the drive to NYC is only a couple of hours but filled with diners, farm stands, and small-town detours.
5. New York / New Jersey — MetLife Stadium
It’s hard to beat the energy around MetLife Stadium, especially with it hosting the World Cup Final. Even outside the matches, NYC itself is the main event. I love walking Central Park, catching a Broadway show, or ferrying to Jersey City for skyline views. If you’re driving from Kansas City or Dallas, go old-school and follow stretches of historic Route 66 and I-70. It’s the ultimate cross-country pilgrimage for any sports fan.
6. Toronto, Canada — BMO Field
Crossing into Canada always feels like a mini adventure. BMO Field is smaller but electric…home to Toronto FC and some of the most dedicated fans in North America. The drive from Detroit or Buffalo gives you great lake views, and once in town, I love grabbing street eats at Kensington Market and taking the ferry to the Toronto Islands for skyline photos. Don’t skip the CN Tower – the glass floor still gets my heart racing every time.
Quick World Cup Stadium Hacks that Actually Help
Hope you found my guide to road tripping during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be helpful and interesting! As a last tip, based on my understanding of other World Cups in the past, I recommend giving yourself about 90 minutes before kickoff so you clear security, eat without lines, and catch warmups. Keep each venue’s rules handy: Seattle, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Arlington, Houston, Kansas City.
Also, make sure to use transit when it beats traffic or parking. That is usually true for Sound Transit to Lumen Field, VTA and Caltrain to Levi’s, Metro plus the SoFi shuttle, and METRORail Red Line to NRG.
Happy travels! -Jon
