Home » America Travel News » United States Stadiums Gear Up For 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mercedes-Benz, Gillette and MetLife Stadiums Leading the Race to Redefine Travel and Tourism Experience Across America

Published on
October 23, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

United States stadiums gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the nation prepares for an unforgettable travel and tourism experience. From Mercedes-Benz to Gillette and MetLife Stadiums, each venue is leading the race to redefine how America welcomes the world. With airlines boosting routes and the tourism industry gearing up for record trips, the excitement is unstoppable. Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore how these stadiums will transform travel, tourism, and hospitality across America. The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just a tournament—it’s a new era of sports, travel, and tourism excellence for the United States.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will transform the United States into the world’s largest stage for sport, travel and tourism. Seven host stadiums have emerged as the best, with Qatar Airways, airlines and the travel industry already eyeing massive tourism growth. From Atlanta to Los Angeles, these venues will drive trips, boost airlines, and energise the tourism industry across America.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Atlanta’s Crown Jewel Of Global Travel

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, known as “Atlanta Stadium” for the 2026 World Cup, has been crowned the best US host venue. Scoring a stellar 8.9 out of 10, it’s the nation’s premier hub for sports, travel and tourism. Between 2021 and 2025, the stadium hosted 269 major sporting events, showcasing its unmatched capability. With a seating capacity of 71,000 and just 0.1 miles from a rail stop, it stands as one of the most accessible sports arenas in the world. For the tourism industry, this accessibility will boost trips, airlines, and visitor flow, with Qatar Airways and other airlines expected to benefit from heavy inbound travel. The stadium’s hosting of group matches, Round of 32, Round of 16, and a semi-final will turn Atlanta into a tourism hotspot, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.

Gillette Stadium: New England’s Gateway To Global Tourism

Gillette Stadium, to be renamed “Boston Stadium” for the tournament, ranks second overall with a remarkable score of 8.53. Hosting 205 sporting events since 2021, it stands as a major hub for sports and tourism in New England. Its 65,878-seat capacity, coupled with a nearby rail station just 0.2 miles away and a reliable shuttle service, makes it a travel-friendly destination for global visitors. For the tourism industry, this accessibility will fuel trips across Boston, boosting airlines and the wider travel economy. Qatar Airways and other carriers are expected to increase connectivity to Massachusetts as demand surges. The stadium will host group matches, a Round of 32, and a quarter-final — all guaranteed to attract thousands of fans, supporting hotels and tour operators while creating long-term tourism value for the region.

MetLife Stadium: New York’s Colossal Stage For Global Fans

MetLife Stadium, set to become “New York / New Jersey Stadium” during the World Cup, ranks third among US host venues and ninth overall. Scoring 7.0 out of 10, it’s the largest stadium among all hosts, boasting an 82,500-seat capacity. It has hosted 114 top-tier sporting events between 2021 and 2025, proving its global appeal. Its location, just 0.5 miles from a rail link, ensures that international visitors can easily access the venue. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Delta, and United are expected to benefit from the tourism boom as fans flood into New York. The stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final, turning the region into a global media and tourism hub. This event will not only boost the travel industry but also redefine how tourism and airlines support mega sporting events, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travellers.

Hard Rock Stadium: Miami’s Heartbeat Of Tourism And Entertainment

Known as “Miami Stadium” for the tournament, Hard Rock Stadium ties for fourth place with a total score of 6.63. It has hosted 142 major events since 2021, proving its ability to handle global attention. Seating 65,326, it features an excellent shuttle service that makes it easy for travellers and fans to reach the venue. Miami, already a powerhouse for tourism and airlines, will see a surge in trips and bookings. Qatar Airways, American Airlines, and Latin American carriers are preparing for a wave of tourism tied to the World Cup. The venue will host group matches, knockout rounds, a quarter-final, and the third-place playoff — an exciting lineup that cements its role as a tourism magnet. The event is expected to add millions to Florida’s travel economy, driving demand for hotels, tours, and local cultural experiences.

SoFi Stadium: Los Angeles’ Global Travel Marvel

SoFi Stadium, soon to be known as “Los Angeles Stadium”, also scored 6.63 and will be one of the tournament’s central West Coast attractions. With a seating capacity of 70,240 and a distance of 1.7 miles to the nearest rail link, the stadium offers convenience supported by a strong shuttle system. It has hosted 113 events in recent years, reflecting its global appeal. For airlines and the tourism industry, Los Angeles’ role as an international gateway will attract millions of trips. Qatar Airways, Emirates, and US carriers are expected to increase capacity to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to meet fan demand. Hosting group matches, Round of 32, and a quarter-final, the city will be buzzing with tourism activity, supporting California’s travel sector through new tours, transport links, and experiences designed for international visitors.

AT&T Stadium: Dallas’ Mega Hub For Fans And Airlines

AT&T Stadium, dubbed “Dallas Stadium” for 2026, is ranked sixth with a score of 6.47. With a massive seating capacity of 80,000 and a strong event history — 90 major sports events between 2021 and 2025 — it’s a pillar of American sports. Despite the lack of direct rail access, the stadium’s location and infrastructure will ensure smooth transport via shuttle and road connections. Dallas is already a major travel hub with strong airline connectivity through DFW Airport. Qatar Airways and other international airlines are expected to see record bookings as fans arrive for group matches, knockout stages, and a semi-final. This influx will energise Texas’ tourism industry, creating thousands of jobs and pushing the city to the forefront of global travel during the tournament.

NRG Stadium: Houston’s Emerging Tourism Powerhouse

Houston’s NRG Stadium, renamed “Houston Stadium” for the World Cup, ranks seventh with a total score of 6.37. Hosting 76 events between 2021 and 2025, it boasts a 72,220-seat capacity and sits just 0.6 miles from a rail link. While it lacks shuttle service, Houston’s robust infrastructure ensures easy travel options. The stadium will host group matches and a Round of 16 game, attracting global fans and travellers. The city’s tourism and travel industry, already thriving through airlines and hospitality, is expected to grow sharply. Qatar Airways, United Airlines, and other carriers will likely see a rise in bookings as fans travel for trips to Texas’ cultural capital. This wave of tourism will strengthen Houston’s reputation as one of America’s most welcoming World Cup cities.

The Travel And Tourism Impact Of The 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is more than just a sporting event — it’s a turning point for the global travel and tourism industry. With seven iconic stadiums hosting across the United States, airlines such as Qatar Airways, United, and American are preparing for record trips. Cities like Atlanta, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Houston are expected to benefit from millions of visitors, generating billions in tourism revenue. The tourism industry is gearing up with hotels, rail services, and shuttle systems to handle the rush. Each stadium’s accessibility, seating, and location make them powerful engines for the travel industry. The event will redefine how the world sees American tourism, making 2026 a landmark year for global travel.

A Game-Changing Moment For The Travel Industry

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not just about football — it’s a celebration of travel, tourism, and global unity. Each stadium, from Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta to NRG in Houston, plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s image as a tourism powerhouse. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Delta, and American Airlines are preparing for record-breaking trips and passenger numbers. For the travel industry, this is a chance to redefine how sports drive tourism. With world-class facilities, seamless transport, and unmatched energy, the United States is ready to welcome millions of fans. The World Cup 2026 will truly transform the tourism industry, putting America at the heart of global travel once again.

Input: TicketSource