Some summers are remembered forever. The summer of 2026 will be one of them. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across North America, marking the first time in history that the tournament is being hosted simultaneously by three countries. For the first time ever, the tournament will also feature 48 participating teams, resulting in more matches, more excitement, and more reasons to plan the trip of a lifetime.
For soccer fans from the United States, Canada, and around the world, this summer represents a unique opportunity: to experience the World Cup while staying just a short flight away from some of the tournament's host cities, with your feet in the Caribbean sand and a cocktail in hand.
2026 World Cup: Dates, Host Cities, and Tournament Format
The tournament will feature a total of 104 matches, kicking off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The championship match will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The 16 host cities are distributed across North America: eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. Matches will be played in Atlanta, Boston, Mexico City, Dallas, Philadelphia, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Mexico will become the first country in history to host three FIFA World Cups, having previously hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986. Its host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, will stage group-stage matches as well as knockout-round games.
Mexico, the United States, and Canada: World Cup Matches You Won’t Want to Miss
Mexico opens the tournament in Mexico City and will also host group-stage matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey, making these cities essential destinations for fans who want to experience the World Cup up close.
But the experience extends far beyond Mexico. The United States will host the largest number of matches, including games in cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York/New Jersey. Canada will welcome fans in Toronto and Vancouver, creating even more opportunities to follow your national team or experience different World Cup atmospheres across North America.
Riviera Maya: Your World Cup Headquarters in the Mexican Caribbean
From Cancun and the Riviera Maya, traveling to the main host cities in Mexico is entirely possible for some of the tournament’s most important matches. And for travelers looking to combine soccer with a more complete vacation experience, excellent air connections also provide convenient access to host cities across the United States and Canada.
Returning to an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya after the excitement of match day, with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, is the kind of reward every traveler deserves.
Riviera Maya is located less than an hour from Cancun International Airport, which offers direct flights from major cities throughout the United States and Canada. Riviera Maya is not only the closest tropical destination to the World Cup region, it may also be the most beautiful.
Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: Your All-Inclusive Resort for the 2026 World Cup
Experiencing the 2026 FIFA World Cup is about more than just watching matches. It’s about choosing the perfect place from which to enjoy them. If you want to combine the excitement of soccer with luxury, relaxation, and an all-inclusive Caribbean getaway, Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya provides the ideal setting to enjoy the tournament and extend your vacation.
Unlimited all-inclusive luxury. During the tournament, our bars and restaurants become the perfect place to celebrate every goal. Food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, all without worrying about the bill.
World-class beaches. Between matches, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean await. Few experiences combine sport and paradise as naturally as a World Cup vacation in Riviera Maya.
The perfect summer weather. June and July in Riviera Maya bring warm days, calm seas, and unforgettable sunsets. It is summer at its very best.
For adults who know how to enjoy life. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya is an adults-only resort. The atmosphere is exactly what many World Cup travelers are looking for: lively, sophisticated, and uninterrupted.
Plan Your World Cup Summer
The 2026 World Cup is more than a tournament. It is a celebration of North America and a soccer festival that few generations have had the opportunity to experience on their own continent. If you are going to be part of it, make it unforgettable.
Book your stay at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya and secure your place in the best seat in the Caribbean for the most exciting summer in decades.
FAQ
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches played in 16 cities across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
How many teams will participate in the 2026 World Cup?
For the first time in history, 48 national teams will compete for the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Which cities in Mexico will host World Cup matches?
Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron), and Monterrey (Estadio BBVA).
Is June and July a good time to visit Riviera Maya during the World Cup?
Absolutely. Summer in the Mexican Caribbean offers warm waters, tropical weather, and all-inclusive accommodations, making it an excellent destination to extend your World Cup vacation.
How far is Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya from Cancun International Airport?
Approximately 45 minutes, with convenient access to direct flights from major cities across the United States and Canada.
