Navigating Travel During the World Cup

Are you traveling next summer? The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America (June 11-July 19, 2026). Whether you’re attending matches or just flying in or out of the region, your travel plans will be affected. With games spread across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, air travel demand will skyrocket — and prices are already increasing.

Book in Advance

Airlines are limiting group space for the dates surrounding the World Cup. We suggest booking when flight inventory opens, about 11 months in advance of travel. Waiting too long could mean losing access to group rates entirely or being forced to split your party across multiple flights.

It’s not just group bookings that will be affected. Individual travelers will also face steep competition for seats. With millions of fans flying into and between host cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York, even flights from non-host cities will be impacted. Other major hubs will see spillover demand, driving up prices and reducing inventory across the board.

Consider Different Travel Dates

Because of this unprecedented demand for flight tickets, you may want to consider traveling on dates before or after the World Cup. Shifting your travel dates could save you hundreds of dollars per ticket and spare you the stress of sold-out flights and packed airports.

Stay Updated

If you are traveling during June or July of 2026, stay on top of your travel plans! The increased number of passengers may lead to delays and cancellations. Download your airline carrier’s app and frequently check your email for any changes. If you work with FTI, you will also have access to our 24/7 emergency support in case of flight disruptions.

Get Expert Advice

If you’re trying to decide the best travel dates or destinations for next summer, request a free consultation from one of our advisors! They’ll discuss the options with you, offering expert advice and caring support every step of the way.