The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest and most thrilling to date, with 104 matches spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Forty-eight teams will strive for glory in sixteen host cities, spanning many top destinations along the USA’s stunning east and west coasts.
This presents an ideal chance to merge the excitement of this historic event with the quintessential American road trip you've always envisioned. Although you won’t be able to catch every single game, with careful planning, you can still see a world of adventure. When lady luck isn’t on your side, you can visit Lady Liberty. When the comeback is on, you can celebrate at the Rocky steps. Read on to plan an East Coast escape like no other…
Planning Considerations
With the Final being played in the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19th July 2026, this is a great starting point to base your road trip around. Even if you don’t manage to get tickets, just being there for the final promises a memorable experience!
While we don’t know at time of writing which countries qualified in which Groups, we do know the dates and locations of the Group Stage games, which are being played between 13th and 27th June 2026. Boston Stadium and New York New Jersey Stadium are both showcasing five Group games each, and Philadelphia Stadium will play host to four.
Two Round of 32 matches are being played along the East Coast: one on 29th June in Boston and the other in New York on 30th June. An exciting Independence Day weekend exhibits Round of 16 games in Philadelphia and New York on the 4th and 5th July respectively, and the last big game before the Final is a Quarter Round match in Boston on 9th July.
Which Route to Take?
New York and Philly are only 94 miles apart and the fastest driving route on Interstate 95 gets you between the two cities in under two hours (traffic dependent), meaning that you can be flexible with destinations and easily base your stays around specific games if you’re lucky enough to have tickets.
A more scenic route involves coming off the I-95 and taking smaller highways through New Jersey, Princeton and Trenton. On this route you can stop off at some great cultural sites including Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Washington’s Crossing National Historical Park, Princeton University Campus, and for theme park lovers, New Jersey’s Six Flags Amusement Park provides a thrilling day out too.
New York is about a four-hour drive straight from Boston and sits between here and Philadelphia, so a one-way road trip between the three cities could work well too. Boston to Philadelphia can also be done in a day and will take about five-and-a-half hours without any stops.
Don’t forget that America’s Amtrak train network is reliable, fast, and a comfortable option if driving between cities loses its appeal. Regular downtown services on the Northeast Regional and Acela Express run between New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore, meaning you can flit between destinations quickly and easily.
Here’s a suggested itinerary if you’re planning on travelling America’s East Coast during the World Cup:
Days 1 - 4
Boston
Begin in historic Boston, a city packed with culture and the birthplace of the American Revolution. From its red-brick buildings to its cobblestone streets,
a Boston holiday is full of charm, and you can easily spend a few days exploring its magnificent sights. Seven World Cup matches will be played here, and even if you don’t have tickets, there will be plenty of lively bars and pubs where you can kick back and watch the footy with great food and beer.
Many great destinations lie within a short drive of the city, including the renowned island of Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, and the stunning coastal town of Mystic.
Days 5-8
New York
One of the most famous cities in the world,
holidays to New York oozes excitement - with or without a major global sporting event - so even if the football isn’t on, there’s so much to see and do, from world-class shopping and dining to exploring the subway network and simply wandering around the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. If you are heading to a game, the New York New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) is situated in East Rutherford around fifteen minutes outside the city and can easily be reached via bus, taxi or the NJ Transit train.
Notable landmarks not to be missed include The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, The Chrysler Building, Times Square, Central Park, and The Statue of Liberty. For a slice of beach life and to cool off from the summer heat, head for the pristine sands of the sophisticated Hamptons or the lively entertainment hotspot of the Jersey Shore.
Days 6-9
Philadelphia
One of America's most significant and diverse cities, Philly is America's first World Heritage City and boasts iconic landmarks such as the legendary Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the American government was born. Beyond its rich history, a
holiday to Philadelphia is all about the vibe! The city boasts beautiful neighbourhoods, gorgeous museums, and is home to the famous Philly cheesesteak – a deliciously classic treat not to be missed!
The World Cup matches here will be played at the Lincoln Financial Field (the Linc to locals) and are easy to get to via bus, taxi, car, and the SEPTA Broad Street subway line.
What to Pack
The weather in New York, Boston and Philadelphia during the summer months when the World Cup is in full swing will be warm and mostly sunny with minimal rain. This region often experiences very hot and humid weather too, which isn’t always comfortable for walking round cities. Here are some tips for coping with the climate:
- Stay hydrated and always carry water with you
- Seek air-conditioned spaces when the humidity becomes unbearable
- Time outdoor activities carefully and try to avoid being outside and exposed during the hottest part of the day
- Dress appropriately in cool, loose clothing
And alongside the usual holiday staples such as sunglasses, sunscreen, money, passports, and toiletries, don’t forget to bring good-quality city guides, and GPS/maps for your road trip sections of the holiday.
Car Hire Options with Ocean Florida
For any road trip,
securing a car rental is crucial, and it's advisable to book in advance of your travels to ensure you're all set to hit the road upon arrival. Reserving your car rental through Ocean Florida offers peace of mind with the following benefits:
- 24-Hour roadside assistance
- Free one-way drop-offs between cities
- Comprehensive insurance – our Gold Plus package includes GPS, a full tank of fuel, underage driver fees, 3 additional drivers, and child seats if needed
- Quick and simple online check-in in minutes
- State-of-the-art sat nav that can be pre-booked
Using your phone as your sat nav while in the USA? You’ll be happy to know that all Ocean Florida customers will receive a discounted eSIM when booking their holiday, priced at half the cost of most UK providers. For $3.60 per day, you get unlimited data, enabling you to connect to navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone.
If you're gearing up to secure your FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets or simply wish to experience the electric atmosphere in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and beyond, Ocean Florida is dedicated to making your summer road trip memorable.
Get in touch today, and as soon as hotels and accommodations are available to book, we'll reach out to help plan your world-class East Coast getaway. 
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