9 June 2026

This year’s FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, showcases some of the world’s most iconic sporting arenas, stretching from New York City to Los Angeles.

However, beyond these globally recognised venues lies an opportunity for football fans to uncover some of North America’s most underrated urban destinations. Here we spotlight four cities that deserve to move from the shadows into the global tourism spotlight.

There’s a so-called “flyover” city known for its exceptional museums and world-class barbecue, a Texan metropolis with a glittering skyline that offers far more than business credentials — it’s among the most diverse in America with an irresistible culinary landscape. South of the border, there’s a Mexican city steeped in history and culture, and another that surprises visitors with its mountain vistas, cultural depth, and a remarkable park built on the site of an old steelworks.

Kansas City — the home of top-tier barbecue and world-class museums.

How outsiders might see it — and why they’re wrong: To most international visitors, Kansas City is somewhere glimpsed only from an airplane window. Among Americans, it’s often thought of as a practical, no-nonsense place with a passion for jazz, barbecue, and sports — but not exactly a vacation destination.

That’s exactly what gives the city its charm. Kansas City is unpretentious yet knows how to have a good time, and visitors will find plenty of cultural attractions too. It’s safe to say that football fans arriving for the World Cup will likely leave as Kansas City converts.

What you’ll enjoy there: The city’s devotion to barbecue is legendary — over 100 restaurants serve smoked meats. Highlights include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, famous for its “Rocket Pig” sandwich and housed in a gas station, and Arthur Bryant’s, widely known as the “King of Ribs.”

Culture enthusiasts can explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which boasts over 42,000 works spanning 5,000 years and offers free admission. Other must-sees include the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum celebrating players once excluded from Major League Baseball, and the American Jazz Museum.

Why it matters for the World Cup: The matches here will be thrilling. They’ll take place at the 76,000-capacity GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. The stadium is famous for its deafening atmosphere — in 2014, fans set a Guinness World Record with a roar of 142.2 decibels, the loudest ever recorded in an outdoor stadium.

How to get there: Kansas City International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the city centre.

Great place to stay: The luxurious Hotel Kansas City (rooms from $220) is ideally located near popular football hangouts like No Other Pub, Strange Days Brewing Co, and Johnny’s Tavern Power & Light.

Houston — a cosmopolitan hub with a dynamic food scene.

How outsiders might see it — and why they’re wrong: Europeans might dismiss Houston as a sprawling, car-dependent business city, and many Americans share that perception, viewing it as a place for meetings rather than leisure.

But that reputation sells Houston short. It’s one of the most diverse and sociable cities in the U.S., offering exceptional cuisine and a solid cultural scene.

What you’ll enjoy there: Houston’s food culture is its biggest attraction. The city offers everything from Tex-Mex to Vietnamese dishes without the need for long reservations. Don’t miss Truth BBQ, Ninfa’s on Navigation — credited as a Tex-Mex pioneer — and Huynh Restaurant for outstanding Vietnamese fare.

Culture seekers should visit the Houston Museum District, home to the Museum of Fine Arts with nearly 80,000 works spanning 6,000 years, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, featuring dinosaur skeletons and a dazzling gem collection. The Space Center Houston, showcasing over 400 space artefacts, is another must-visit.

Why it matters for the World Cup: The 72,000-seat NRG Stadium, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans, is perfectly suited to large-scale events. The city’s efficient infrastructure and football-loving population promise an unforgettable World Cup experience.

How to get there: George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers direct connections from North, Central, and South America, Europe, and Asia. Domestic flights primarily use William P. Hobby Airport.

Great place to stay: Hotels (rooms from around $230) are conveniently located near football pubs such as Pitch 25 and The Phoenix on Westheimer, which are popular among sports fans.

Guadalajara — Mexico’s cultural soul and home of mariachi.

How outsiders might see it — and why they’re wrong: Some label Guadalajara as Mexico’s “Silicon Valley” or a mere stopover en route to the coast, overshadowed by Mexico City and Cancun.

Yet Guadalajara is the beating cultural heart of Mexico — birthplace of mariachi music, home to striking architecture, and a city known for its inclusivity and lively Pride celebrations.

What you’ll enjoy there: Stroll through the historic Centro Histórico, where the stunning Guadalajara Cathedral, with its twin yellow-tiled towers, dominates the skyline. The city also boasts the UNESCO-listed Instituto Cultural Cabañas, featuring murals by José Clemente Orozco. In the trendy districts of Chapultepec and Colonia Americana, visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as birria (slow-cooked goat stew) and tortas ahogadas (sandwiches soaked in chilli sauce).

Why it matters for the World Cup: Matches at the 50,000-seat Estadio Akron — home to C.D. Guadalajara — will have an authentic Mexican flair. The “volcano-shaped” stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making Guadalajara a spirited and exciting base for visiting fans.

How to get there: Guadalajara International Airport connects directly with major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago, and is about 30 minutes from the city centre.

Great place to stay: Hotel Morales (rooms from $120) offers convenient access to the historic heart of the city.

Monterrey — a city framed by mountains and rich in culture.

How outsiders might see it — and why they’re wrong: Many confuse Monterrey with the Californian coastal town of Monterey. Mexico’s double-“r” Monterrey, often known as an industrial powerhouse, actually hides scenic parks, historic neighbourhoods, and a thriving cultural scene.

What you’ll enjoy there: The city’s mountainous backdrop is breathtaking. The Mirador del Obispado viewpoint offers panoramic views of peaks like Cerro de la Silla (6,000 feet) and Cerro de las Mitras. Visitors can also explore Parque Fundidora — a former steelworks transformed into a public park — and the nearby Barrio Antiguo, known for its colonial architecture, lively bars, and excellent restaurants.

For a deep dive into history, the Museo de Historia Mexicana and Museo del Noreste provide comprehensive insights into Mexico’s past. A boat ride along the turquoise waters of Paseo Santa Lucía is another highlight.

Why it matters for the World Cup: Monterrey’s 53,000-seat Estadio BBVA, home of C.F. Monterrey, is one of the world’s most beautiful stadiums, featuring a sleek aluminium design and a dramatic mountain backdrop. Local fans are known for their intense passion, ensuring a thrilling World Cup atmosphere.

How to get there: Monterrey International Airport is well connected to U.S. hubs like Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, and is just 30 minutes from downtown.