7 best FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities for an epic road trip

This year’s football tournament season is going to be totally FUN! Three countries, i.e., USA, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting for the first time, that too with an expanded 48 teams. Dozens of matches. Millions of fans. And honestly? One of the best road-trip opportunities in history.

With games spread across these regions, this World Cup isn’t just about football, it’s about hitting the open road, grabbing a rental car & exploring iconic cities between your favourite team matches.

So buckle up. Here are the 7 best FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities to explore by car, ranked for vibes, views & scenic drives!
 

Los Angeles, USA

If the World Cup had a Hollywood trailer, Los Angeles would surely be the opening shot. And why not? The city is all about sun, stadiums & scenic drives!

So if you are planning to rent a car during this time, your first option has to be LA. From beaches to mountains to iconic highways, this place delivers nonstop.

Why LA is perfect by car:

• You can enjoy cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu
• Take a relaxing drive to Santa Monica, Venice Beach or Beverly Hills
• You can even consider road trips to San Diego, Palm Springs, or Big Bear

A suggestion! Convertibles and SUVs are quite popular here. If you want to secure the best deal, book months in advance before the tournament actually begins.

What’s the vibe like? Massive fan zones, celebrity energy and legendary stadium nights.

Miami, USA

Miami during the World Cup? It is definitely going to be unreal! You already know that this city lives and breathes football culture and having a personal vehicle to explore lets you go way beyond the stadium.

You can’t miss these scenic drives near Miami:

• Ocean Drive in South Beach (top-down vibes)
• Road trip to Key Largo & the Florida Keys
• Cruise to Everglades National Park

What will you encounter? Latin American fans, beachside watch parties and nonstop nightlife.

Toronto, Canada

The next amazing place we have on the list is Toronto. It is one of the most popular cities in Canada and having a car makes your experience more awesome!

Top drives from Toronto that you can take between the matches:

• Niagara Falls, which is less than 90 minutes from the city
• Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country
• Lake Ontario waterfront routes

Wondering about the rental car advantage? Easy cross-border drive, smooth highways and stunning lake views.

So are you up for? Witnessing global fans, multicultural food scenes and electric downtown energy.

Vancouver, Canada

If you want to go on the ultimate scenic drives along with watching your favorite players surrounded by mountains & oceans, then it has to be Vancouver.

This is hands down one of the most scenic FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities to explore by car.

Here are the must-do drives, if you are in the city:

• Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler (one of the world’s most scenic drives)
• Stanley Park’s seawall loop
• Coastal highways with mountain backdrops

A suggestion! Go for an AWD or SUV for flexibility in mountain weather.

What’s the energy like: Laid-back fans, outdoor viewing parties and global crowds.

Dallas, USA

Everything is massive in Texas, including the road trips. Dallas is a major city of this state & centrally located, which makes it perfect for fans planning to drive between multiple World Cup host cities.

Great drives that you can enjoy from Dallas:

• Austin provides a combination of music + food scene
• Fort Worth is best for experiencing the cowboy culture
• Texas Hill Country

Why rental car is essential? Dallas is a vast city with limited public transport options so driving saves time and energy.

What will the tournament mood be like? Massive stadium, American tailgates and die-hard football fans.

Mexico City, Mexico

There is no doubt when we say, there are only a few cities on earth that match Mexico City when it comes to football passion. Every corner of the region has some kind of connection to history & people filled with passion.

Driving here gives you access to ancient ruins, mountain views & cultural landmarks far beyond match day.

Road trips that are worth taking once in a lifetime:

• Teotihuacán Pyramids
• Puebla and Cholula
• Scenic mountain highways

What can you expect during the match? Absolute electric energy with fans singing, hoisting flags and nonstop action!

New York / New Jersey, USA

If you want a combination of iconic city and legendary road trips, New York / New Jersey makes a perfect World Cup dream base.

Best drives that you can enjoy nearby:

• Hudson Valley
• The Hamptons
• Philadelphia & Boston

A rental car is a smart choice as trains don’t get you to scenic detours or late-night fan celebrations.

What’s the vibe going to be like in the stadium? Global crowds, massive watch parties & unforgettable nights.

Why renting a car for FIFA World Cup 2026 just makes sense

Let’s face the real scenario, World Cup schedules are just unpredictable, public transport gets packed with crowds from all over the globe and honestly? Some of your best experiences are outside the city!

Not only one, but there are so many benefits of hiring a vehicle:

• You get full freedom to explore multiple host cities
• Go on the scenic drives and hidden gems
• A cost efficient option for group travel with friends or family
• Flexible match-day schedules

So don’t wait much & book your World Cup 2026 rental car early as prices will take a high jump closer to kickoff!

Fans want to know

• Can I drive between FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities in different countries?

  Yes, you can drive between host cities in the USA and Canada, but cross-border travel depends on your provider’s policy. Driving into Mexico has stricter rules and additional insurance requirements, so always confirm international travel permissions with your rental car supplier before booking.

• What type of rental car is best for the World Cup road trip?

  The best rental car for the World Cup road trip totally depends on your travel style. SUVs are ideal for comfort and long drives, compact & economy cars are great for budget travelers & convertibles are perfect for coastal destinations like Los Angeles and Miami. For mountain regions, you must consider AWD vehicles.

• Is it important to have an International Driving Permit to rent a car?

  Yes, it is important to have an International Driving Permit in case your Driving License is not in the Roman alphabet.

• Which FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities are best explored by car?

  Some of the best FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities to explore by car include Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, Vancouver, Dallas, Mexico City and the New York–New Jersey area. These cities offer iconic road trips, scenic highways & great driving access to nearby destinations.