World Cup 2026 USA is the biggest football tournament in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 stadiums stretching from Los Angeles to New York, officially taking place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Vietnamese football fans to set foot in the United States for the first time and experience elite football in the world's sporting capital. However, turning this trip into reality requires preparation from securing a USA visa for the World Cup, purchasing tickets, booking hotels, to planning transportation. This article is the most complete World Cup travel guide Vietnam you will need.
World Cup 2026 USA: Historic Record-Breaking Numbers
World Cup 2026 USA 11 host cities stadiums match schedule USA travel guide for Vietnamese fans
The FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and is jointly hosted by three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico the first time in World Cup history that three nations have co-hosted the tournament. The competition features 48 national teams playing 104 matches over 39 days across 16 stadiums.
The United States is the heart of the tournament: 11 American cities have been selected as host locations, including all quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The opening match takes place in Mexico City, but the historic final on July 19 will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a capacity of 82,500 spectators.
11 U.S. Host Cities for World Cup 2026
AT&T Stadium (Dallas/Arlington, Texas) and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) lead the tournament with 9 matches each, the highest number of matches among all venues. MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey) and SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) each host 8 matches, including some of the most important knockout-round games.
City
Stadium
Number of Matches
Highest Round
New York/New Jersey
MetLife Stadium
8
Final
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium
8
Semifinal
Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
9
Semifinal
Dallas/Arlington
AT&T Stadium
9
Quarterfinal
Boston
Gillette Stadium (Foxborough)
6
Quarterfinal
Miami
Hard Rock Stadium
6
Round of 16
Houston
NRG Stadium
6
Round of 16
Philadelphia
Lincoln Financial Field
6
Round of 16
Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium
6
Quarterfinal
San Francisco
Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara)
6
Round of 32
Seattle
Lumen Field
6
Round of 32
USA Visa for World Cup 2026: The Most Urgent Task to Handle Immediately
This is the number one hurdle for Vietnamese travelers planning a USA travel World Cup 2026 experience and the first step that requires immediate action, as time is now extremely limited.
Visa Type Required and Eligibility
To enter the United States as a spectator attending World Cup matches, Vietnamese citizens must apply for a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa. This is the most common visa category for tourism and short-term business travel. The B2 (Tourist/Visitor) visa is the appropriate option for attending entertainment and sporting events as a spectator without receiving compensation. Neither FIFA nor the U.S. government issues a special visa specifically for football spectators. Therefore, the B1/B2 visa is the only valid option for all Vietnamese visitors.
Good News If You Already Have a Valid U.S. Visa
If you already possess a valid B1/B2 visa, there is no need to apply for a new visa to attend World Cup 2026. B2 visas are often issued with validity periods ranging from 1 to 10 years, allowing multiple entries with stays of up to 6 months per visit.
FIFA PASS: Special Priority for Ticket Holders
FIFA has implemented the FIFA PASS (Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System), allowing individuals with valid World Cup tickets to schedule visa interviews earlier than regular tourists. This is a special priority program coordinated with the U.S. Department of State to assist international football fans.
How to Use FIFA PASS
After purchasing match tickets through FIFA Ticketing (tickets.fifa.com), you will receive a confirmation code. This code can be used to request priority interview scheduling through the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Documents Required for a B2 World Cup Visa Application
To apply for a B2 tourist visa for World Cup 2026, applicants should prepare a complete package demonstrating:
The purpose of the trip
Financial capability
Strong ties requiring return to Vietnam
Basic Documents
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended return date
Visa photo meeting U.S. requirements (2”×2”, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
Interview appointment confirmation
Financial Documents
Bank statements covering the last 3–6 months (minimum $3,000–$5,000 recommended for a 1–2 week trip)
Proof of income (salary statements, business licenses, land ownership certificates, etc.)
Travel Purpose and Home-Tie Documents
Round-trip flight reservations
Hotel or Airbnb booking confirmations
World Cup match tickets (if available, significantly improving visa approval chances)
Family documents such as marriage certificates and children's birth certificates demonstrating family obligations in Vietnam
Employment contracts or business ownership documents proving ongoing professional commitments
Most Important Advice
Begin the process at least 4–6 months before departure. Interview appointment availability at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City may be delayed by weeks or even months due to surging demand during the World Cup season.
Reality in May 2026
The World Cup begins on June 11. At this stage, if you still do not have a visa, you are already extremely late. If you are reading this article without a visa, act immediately to determine whether an opportunity still exists.
Priority order:
Purchase match tickets
Use FIFA PASS for priority interview scheduling
Complete your visa application documents simultaneously
Are you planning a USA World Cup 2026 trip while also exploring immigration opportunities in the United States? Contact VITA CAPITAL for advice on the EB-5 program one trip, two valuable outcomes. Free consultation available.
Buying World Cup 2026 Tickets: Step-by-Step Guide
World Cup 2026 USA tickets where to buy FIFA ticketing first-time USA travel guide stadiums
Official Ticket Purchasing Channels and Avoiding Scams
The only official source is tickets.fifa.com, the sole legitimate ticket platform operated by FIFA. All other websites are either secondary marketplaces or carry the risk of fraudulent tickets.
World Cup 2026 is the largest tournament in history, featuring 104 matches, making ticket availability significantly better than previous World Cups. However, knockout-stage matches and especially the semifinals and final at MetLife Stadium and SoFi Stadium sold out during earlier ballot phases.
Current Ticket Situation (May 2026)
The primary ballot phase has already concluded. Some group-stage matches involving less popular teams may still be available for direct purchase.
Legitimate resale tickets can be found through:
Ticketmaster (FIFA’s official resale partner)
StubHub
Prices are generally much higher than face value.
Reference Ticket Prices
Ticket Type
FIFA Face Value
Typical Resale Price
Group Stage (Category 4 – lowest tier)
$80–$105
$150–$400
Group Stage (Category 1 – best seats)
$200–$300
$500–$1,200
Round of 32 / Round of 16
$150–$600
$800–$3,000
Quarterfinals
$250–$600
$800–$3,000
Semifinals
$400–$900
$1,500–$6,000
Final (MetLife Stadium)
$600–$2,000
$5,000–$20,000+
Practical Advice: If your primary goal is to experience the World Cup atmosphere in the United States rather than attend the biggest matches, group-stage games featuring less popular teams in Dallas, Atlanta, or Houston are far more affordable and easier to obtain while still offering the experience of watching football in world-class NFL stadiums.
Suggested World Cup 2026 USA Travel Itineraries for Vietnamese Fans
Recommended Routes for Different Types of Football Fans
10–12 Day Itinerary: Houston & Dallas Focus (Vietnamese Community + World Cup) This itinerary is ideal for Vietnamese families with relatives in Houston or Dallas, allowing them to enjoy football, visit the Vietnamese community, and save money by staying with family or friends.
Day 1–2: Arrive in Houston (IAH or HOU), check in, and explore the Vietnamese community in Bellaire/Southwest Houston.
Day 3–4: Visit Houston attractions including NASA Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston, Little Saigon, and enjoy Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 5: Travel to Dallas by rental car or bus (approximately 4 hours).
Day 6–7: Watch a match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, one of the world's most impressive NFL stadiums with a capacity of 80,000.
Day 8: Explore Downtown Dallas, Dealey Plaza (the site of JFK’s assassination), and Deep Ellum.
Day 9–10: Free time for sightseeing or return to Houston before departure.
Departure: Fly back to Vietnam from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Houston (IAH).
14–16 Day Itinerary:
East Coast + World Cup Final in New York Perfect for hardcore football fans who want to experience the most exciting World Cup atmosphere on the U.S. East Coast.
Day 1–3: New York City: Times Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and a match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Day 4–5: Philadelphia: Liberty Bell, Old City, and a match at Lincoln Financial Field.
Day 6–7: Boston: Harvard University, MIT, Faneuil Hall, and a match at Gillette Stadium.
Day 8–9: Return to New York or extend your trip to Washington, D.C. (approximately 4 hours by Amtrak).
Day 10–12: Miami: South Beach, Wynwood, and a match at Hard Rock Stadium.
Day 13–14: Shopping and leisure time in Miami or returning to New York.
Departure: Fly back to Vietnam from JFK or MIA.
10-Day :
West Coast Itinerary: Los Angeles + San Francisco Ideal for travelers who want to combine World Cup matches with a California vacation while visiting the large Vietnamese communities in Orange County and San Jose.
Day 1–2: Arrive in Los Angeles (LAX). Visit Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica Beach.
Day 3: Explore Little Saigon in Orange County (Westminster and Garden Grove) and enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 4–5: Attend a match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers and one of the most spectacular stadiums in the world.
Day 6: Drive or take Amtrak to San Francisco (approximately 6 hours).
Day 7–8: Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown, and watch a match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Day 9–10: Free time to explore or visit San Jose, home to the largest Vietnamese community in the Bay Area.
Departure: Fly home from LAX or SFO.
Actual Cost of a World Cup 2026 USA Trip for Vietnamese Travelers
This is the most important section that many travel websites avoid discussing openly. World Cup 2026 USA is one of the most expensive sporting events in history, with hotel and airfare prices increasing dramatically compared to normal travel periods.
Estimated Budget for One Person (10–12 Days)
Expense Category
Estimated Cost
Notes
Round-trip airfare (Vietnam–USA)
$1,200–$2,500
40–80% higher during World Cup season
Hotel (10–12 nights)
$1,500–$4,000
$150–$350 per night depending on city
Tickets for 1–2 matches
$300–$1,500
Depends on match round and seat location
Food & beverages
$400–$800
Combination of self-cooking and restaurants
Domestic transportation
$300–$700
Rental car, fuel, or domestic flights
Visa fee
$185
DS-160 application fee
Shopping & sightseeing
$300–$800
Based on personal preferences
Emergency reserve
$300–$500
Always recommended
Total Estimated Cost
$4,485–$11,485
Approximately 112–287 million VND per person
Practical Cost-Saving Tips
Book accommodations as early as possible prices are increasing weekly.
Use Airbnb or stay with relatives and friends in Vietnamese communities to reduce lodging costs by 50–70%.
Purchase domestic U.S. flights through Google Flights at least six weeks in advance.
In cities with large Vietnamese communities such as Houston, Dallas, and Los Angeles, Vietnamese restaurants are often significantly more affordable than mainstream American restaurants.
See also: How Much Wealth Does a Vietnamese Family Need to Live in America?
First-Time USA Travel Tips: What Vietnamese Visitors Find Most Surprising
At U.S. Airports
Declare all customs items honestly and completely. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) takes declarations involving cash over $10,000 and food products very seriously.
Do not bring:
Fresh meat
Fresh fruit
Unprocessed animal or plant products
These items may be confiscated and could result in penalties.
Carry power banks in your carry-on luggage only, not checked baggage.
Install Uber and Lyft before departure so you can travel immediately after landing without relying on traditional taxis, which are often two to three times more expensive.
At World Cup Stadiums
Each World Cup 2026 venue has its own security regulations, but generally the following items are allowed:
Clear bags under 12" × 6" × 12"
Small wallets
Team jerseys
Scarves and small flags
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the stadium.
Arrive at least 2–3 hours before kickoff to pass security screening and find your seat, especially for knockout-stage matches with large crowds.
Communication and Payment Culture in America
Tipping
Tipping is a social expectation in the United States.
Typical guidelines:
15–20% of the restaurant bill
$1–$2 for bartenders
$2–$5 for delivery services
Leaving no tip or tipping less than 15% is generally considered impolite.
Credit Cards
Nearly every business in America accepts cards, including buses and vending machines.
Bring:
International Visa or Mastercard
A small amount of cash ($200–$300 USD) for emergencies
Communication
Americans are generally friendly and particularly enthusiastic about football during the World Cup. Do not hesitate to ask for directions or assistance.
From Tourism to Immigration: The Perspective Many Vietnamese Discover in America
Watching the World Cup in the United States is not only a sporting experience. For many Vietnamese families, it is also the first opportunity to experience life in America firsthand before making major decisions about study abroad, immigration, or investment.
Many Vietnamese visitors who come to the U.S. for tourism discover something unexpected: America is far more diverse than what appears on television. Texas is different from California. Florida is different from New York. The cost of living, tax policies, climate, school systems, and career opportunities vary significantly from state to state.
A family attending a World Cup match in Houston may simultaneously discover:
One of the largest Vietnamese communities in America
Affordable housing compared to California
No state income tax
Strong public school systems in suburban areas
Expanding job opportunities in energy, healthcare, and technology
Similarly, visitors to Northern Virginia may find:
Top-ranked public schools
Strong Vietnamese-American communities in Falls Church and Annandale
High-income employment opportunities
Convenient access to Washington, D.C.
This is why many Vietnamese investors begin by visiting the United States as tourists before deciding where they would ultimately like to build their future.
For families considering immigration through EB-5, World Cup 2026 offers a rare opportunity to combine travel, family exploration, and long-term planning into a single trip.
See also: Best States in America for Raising Children in 2026
VITA CAPITAL: From World Cup Tickets to a U.S. Green Card
Many Vietnamese families first travel to the United States for tourism, education, business, or major events such as the FIFA World Cup. During those visits, they begin asking deeper questions:
Which city is best for my family?
Which state offers the best educational opportunities for my children?
How much does healthcare cost?
What is the actual cost of living?
Is EB-5 still available before the September 30, 2026 deadline?
VITA CAPITAL Your Global Future supports Vietnamese families through every stage of that journey.
Beyond EB-5 investment consulting, VITA CAPITAL helps investors evaluate:
Suitable states and cities for long-term settlement
Education planning for children
Tax and financial considerations after immigration
Healthcare and insurance planning
Long-term business and investment opportunities in America
For many families, a World Cup trip becomes much more than a vacation. It becomes the beginning of a new chapter for future generations.
Conclusion: World Cup 2026 Is More Than Football
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest World Cup ever organized, bringing together 48 national teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For Vietnamese football fans, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to:
Experience the world's greatest sporting event in person
Explore iconic American cities
Visit Vietnamese-American communities
Evaluate potential education and immigration opportunities
Understand the real cost and quality of life in different states
Planning early is the key to success. Flights, hotels, and match tickets will become increasingly expensive as the tournament approaches.
For families considering both a World Cup trip and a long-term future in America, proper planning today can create opportunities that extend far beyond the final whistle.
VITA CAPITAL helps Vietnamese families prepare not only for a memorable World Cup experience but also for the possibilities that may follow.
The road to the World Cup begins with a ticket. For some families, it may also be the first step toward a future in the United States.
