2026 FIFA World Cup: Best destinations to explore outside of the arenas

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By Enitan Abdultawab

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There is much more to a journey to the 2026 World Cup than just football matches, goals and assists and stadium euphoria.

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While the United States of America is getting ready for an event where football would be played amongst teams from several continents, the country is blessed with several places where fans can enjoy maximum world cup experiences.

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If you choose to travel, you should be aware of where fans will congregate, how to participate in festivities, especially before and after matchday games. You will even like the US better if the nation you support goes farther into the knockout stages of the competition.

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Below are places and experiences that you can visit and enjoy in the United States for a memorable world cup experience.

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Parks in Los Angeles and Miami

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Miami will host seven World Cup games, including the third-place playoff, while Los Angeles will host eight, including the USA team’s opening match and a quarterfinal. You will therefore have lots of free days in between games, which is ideal for visiting some of the world’s top amusement parks.

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Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best tourist destinations in Los Angeles. You may see well-known movie sets in this hybrid of a theme park and a real film studio. In addition, the experience is more organic and daring in Miami. Everglades Safari Park, which is around 40 minutes from the city, is a well-liked destination.

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Messi sandwich restaurants

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The Messi Golden Chicken Sandwich, which comes with seasoned fries and a crispy chicken fillet covered with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and garlic aioli, is available at Hard Rock Cafe Miami. It was made to remind Messi of home and was influenced by his favorite flavors.

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Attendees of the 2026 World Cup in Miami can use this opportunity to sample a unique sandwich made by Lionel Messi. Miami has developed some unusual dining alternatives since he became the city’s face, and one of the most well-liked among supporters is the Messi Sandwich.

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David Beckham Statue at Dignity Health Sports Park

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When you travel to Los Angeles for a World Cup game, you’ll possibly hear that David Beckham’s arrival significantly altered American football. He increased the sport’s appeal to American fans, and the city gave him a unique tribute.

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Today, a large number of people travel from all over the world to take pictures at his legendary statue spot and honour the player who helped elevate football in the United States.

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USA Independence Day Celebration

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In addition to being America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2026 will commemorate 250 years since the nation’s founding. The East Coast will host the majority of the major festivities, particularly in historic cities like Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C.

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Fans will get a rare chance to mix football with national celebrations because this time frame also coincides with the World Cup.

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Cowboy experience at Dallas/FortWorth

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Dallas is one of the greatest locations to see “true America” during the World Cup because it will host the most matches (9).

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However, you must go 30 to 50 minutes west to Fort Worth in order to experience the authentic Wild West vibe in While Fort Worth where they preserve the cowboy traditions.

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The Historic Stockyards are the primary destination. With wooden streets and a strong cowboy vibe, this region, which was once one of the largest cattle markets in the United States, retains its classic western flavor today.

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You can particularly enjoy The Herd, a free daily spectacle when actual cowboys drive longhorn cattle along the main street at 11:30 and 16:00, is one of the attractions.

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