From Kansas City with Love
Estadio BBVA (LEFT) in Monterrey and Lumen Field (RIGHT) in Seattle are two of the 16 North American stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup games in 2026. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
26 Stops for Your World Cup Road Trip
Published May 26, 2026
“Can’t miss”
“Once-in-a-lifetime”
“Generational”
In today’s world, these terms are overused and overapplied. But in the case of what’s about to happen in Kansas City - the FIFA World Cup - I don’t think they quite do it justice.
This tournament is unprecedented (another overused word)! A coordinated effort between three nations. 16 host cities. 48 teams. Nearly 3,000 miles from end to end. There’s never been an event quite like it.
And as a host city, Kansas City’s having a moment. But 15 other cities are having their moment too. And maybe, you’re planning to be a part of those as well.
Maybe you plan to visit friends and family. Maybe you’re chasing your team. Maybe it’s your chance to see Kylian Mbappé or Cristiano Ronaldo in meaningful matches. Maybe you just want to back the Yanks on home soil.
If you are traveling for the FIFA World Cup, that’s where I come in. Of the 16 host cities, I live in this one; but I’ve also been to 13 of the others. Some recently. Some more than a decade ago. Some I know well. Others, I barely scratched the surface in my short time there.
So from this Kansas Citian to whoever’s hitting the road, here’s one place to eat / drink and one sight to see in each of the 13 host cities I’ve visited.
26 recommendations for the ‘26 FIFA World Cup.
Yes, you’re there for the matches. But, I have to hope you’re not going all that way JUST to sit in a stadium. So get out and explore!
Some of these picks are hidden gems. Others are super obvious. Touristy, even.
And you know what? That’s ok.
You ARE a tourist.
I was too.
Atlanta, Georgia (USA) | Mercedez-Benz Stadium
8 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16, 1 Semifinal)
Very quickly, Atlanta has become known as a soccer city. There are few soccer atmospheres that rival Mercedez-Benz Stadium. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Superica - Krog Street Market, 99 Krog Street NE, Atlanta, GA
Obviously, The Varsity is an experience. Atlanta does soul food and barbeque right. So, it says something that I’m recommending Tex-Mex at Superica. The crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly carnitas is seared into my memory. Plus, you can walk it off by exploring the Krog Street Market.
The Sight | World of Coca-Cola - 121 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta has plenty to offer, but World of Coca-Cola fits this moment. A global icon for a global event. The interactive museum tells the story of the popular soft drink, and even gives you the chance to sample flavors from around the world.
Boston, Massachusetts (USA) | Gilette Stadium
7 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Quarterfinal)
There are way too many options at Mike’s Pastry in Boston. Luckily, it’s impossible to go wrong. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Mike’s Pastry - 300 Hanover Street, Boston, MA
Boston’s all about the seafood, hoagies, and pizza. I have a soft spot for the burgers at Eagle’s Deli. Still, you’re bound to see the white, string-tied boxes everywhere. Follow them to the North End, pop into Mike’s Pastry, and grab yourself a slice of cake, a cannoli, or a lobster tail-shaped cream puff.
The Sight | The Freedom Trail - 139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Boston is a cradle of American history, and the city makes it easy to follow. Just walk the brick line of The Freedom Trail past the Boston Massacre Site, Old North Church, the USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill. Then, grab a drink at the Bell in Hand Tavern - America’s oldest continually operated bar.
Dallas, Texas (USA) | AT&T Stadium
9 Matches (5 Group Stage, 2 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16, 1 Semifinal)
The original Hurtado Barbecue is less than a mile from AT&T Stadium. A destination for traditional BBQ favorites, the brisket birria tacos are to die for. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Hurtado Barbecue - 205 E Front Street, Arlington, TX
Babe’s Chicken is a known obsession, but in Texas: you go barbeque. Hurtado Barbecue - right by the stadium - blends Tex-Mex flavors with smokehouse tradition. Classics like the brisket, Texas twinkies, and banana pudding are strong options, but the birria tacos, pulled pork, and hatch chili mac steal the show.
The Sight | Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza - 411 Elm Street, Dallas, TX
Morbidly, X marks the spots at Dealey Plaza. The “birthplace of Dallas” is forever tied to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Check out the Grassy Knoll, then head to the Sixth Floor Museum (located in the old book depository where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots) to learn more about JFK’s legacy and untimely death.
Guadalajara, Jalisco (MEX) | Estadio Akron
4 Matches (4 Group Stage)
As a lover of tequila and birria, I’ve yet to make it to Guadalajara. If you do, please report back with the best of both.
Houston, Texas (USA) | NRG Stadium
7 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16)
Texas is known for their barbeque, and Houston has plenty - but this is a destination for Tex Mex. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | The Original Ninfa’s - 2704 Navigation Boulevard, Houston, TX
The best meal I ever had in Houston was ribs and mac ‘n cheese at a Texian Army tailgate before Leg 1 of the 2013 Eastern Conference Final (MLS). The second best? The Original Ninfa’s. The skirt steak fajitas are definitely the play here, but don’t skip the queso asado.
The Sight | Space Center Houston - 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX
The Space Center Houston is so much more than a museum. It’s the visitors center for NASA’s mission control and astronaut training hub where past and present meet. The Rocket Park displays historic hardware, while tram tours offer a look at active facilities.
Los Angeles, California (USA) | SoFi Stadium
8 Matches (5 Group Stage, 2 Round of 32, 1 Quarterfinal)
Dodger Stadium is third oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. These days, Shohei Ohtani is the main attraction. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Philippe the Original - 1001 N Alameda Street. Los Angeles, CA
The temptation to sprint to In-N-Out for a Double-Double and Animal Style fries is understandable. I won’t stop you. But, Philippe the Original invented the French Dip (it may be fairer to say they accidentally discovered it). The au just doesn’t come in a cup on the side, the roll is pre-dipped before the sandwich is built. It’s a perfect mess.
The Sight | Dodger Stadium - 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
I considered the Space Shuttle Endeavour because it made such a lasting impression, but its new home is currently under construction. Fortunately, LA has another out-of-this-world attraction in Shohei Ohtani. Catching a game at Dodger Stadium is special enough. There’s so much history at Chavez Ravine! But the chance to see the back-to-back World Series champs, and a truly generational athlete in Ohtani makes this stop a no-brainer.
Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) | Estadio Azteca
5 Matches (3 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16)
I’ve never been to Mexico City but I hope to change that. Teotihuacan’s been on the bucket list since I was a kid.
Miami, Florida (USA) | Hard Rock Stadium
7 Matches (4 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Quarterfinal, 1 Third Place Game)
There are tons of options at Miami Mojito Company, but the Ginger and Kiwi (when available) are strongly recommended. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Miami Mojito Company - 169 NW 23rd Street #101, Miami, FL
Miami’s excellence with Cubanos, ceviche, and Key lime pie is well known, so I’ll suggest a gulp instead. Wander Wynwood, take in the murals, and then stop at Miami Mojito Company. The mojitos - made with fresh-pressed sugarcane juice - are unreal. There’s a lot of flavors to choose from, but I suggest the spicy ginger.
The Sight | South Beach - 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami, FL
Does South Beach really need a sales pitch? It’s South Beach. White sand, clear Atlantic water, cabanas, palm trees, and an unmatched vibe. Chant, cheer, and scream for 90 minutes. Stay up late chasing the city’s nonstop energy. Then, slow down, relax, and find your bliss on the beach.
Monterrey, Nuevo León (MEX) | Estadio BBVA
4 Matches (3 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32)
Cabrito (smoked goat) and carne asada dinner from El Rey del Cabrito in Monterrey. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | El Rey del Cabrito - Avenida Constitucion Ote. 817, Monterrey, N.L.
Cabrito is fire-roasted young goat and a signature dish of Monterrey, and Nuevo León as a whole. Think of it as a caprine take on veal. At El Rey del Cabrito, the meat is smoky, tender, and rich with crisp bark. It’s easy to believe they may actually be kings of the namesake dish. Be sure to kick things off with an order of the melty Queso con Chorizo. As an added bonus, the restaurant is very tourist-friendly; offering menus in both Spanish and English.
The Sight | Salón de la Fama del Beisbol Mexicano - C. Gregorio Torres S/N, Centro, Monterrey, N.L.
Monterrey is known for hiking and shopping, but sports fans should make their way to the Salón de la Fama del Beisbol Mexicano (Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame). Located near the Santa Lucia Riverwalk, the museum tells the story of baseball in Mexico, and honors the nation’s greatest players. Royals fans should seek out the plaque of 1985 World Series Champion Jorge Orta. His Mexcellency, Joakim Soria, feels like a future lock for induction.
New York City, New York (USA) | MetLife Stadium
8 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16, 1 Final)
The spicy red sauce at Original Vincent’s in Little Italy makes this Chicken Parmigiana especially memorable. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Original Vincent’s - 119 Mott Street, New York, NY
Everyone will tell you to go to Katz’s Delicatessen, and they’re not wrong. The lines are there for a reason. But, tucked away in Little Italy, is a spot that’s equally good. At Original Vincent’s, it’s all about the one-of-a-kind sauce. The spicy red gravy shines on everything it touches, but I recommend the Chicken or Eggplant Parmigiana.
The Sight | Broadway - W 42nd Street, New York, NY
You could spend months in New York and still barely scratch the surface. Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands are all worthy of your time. The city’s streets will make you feel brand new, but Broadway will inspire you. Catch a show, any show, and then, grab a slice after.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) | Lincoln Financial Field
6 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 16)
Inside Independence Hall, the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution was ratified. There can be no better place to spend the USA’s 250th birthday. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Steve’s Prince of Steaks - 7200 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
I’m no stranger to a food debate, but I’m not here to settle Philadelphia’s best cheesesteak. I just know what I like: Steve’s Prince of Steaks. The Amoroso roll is stuffed with long thin-sliced ribbons of rib eye, as opposed to the traditional chopped steak. There are also pizza Philly and chicken options, but go for the steak with wiz, provolone, and fried onions.
The Sight | Independence Hall - 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell next door, as the choice here is hardly a surprise. That’s the point. The Declaration of Independence was signed here. The Constitutional Convention was held here. That makes the Assembly Room arguably the most important one in American history. It’s the United States’ 250th birthday and this is the place where she was born. You have to do it (and then walk over to Franklin Fountain for a sweet treat after).
San Francisco, California (USA) | Levi’s Stadium
6 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32)
At Pier 39, you can grab a bread bowl at Eagle Cafe, and then go down at watch the sea lions sunbathe. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Eagle Cafe - Pier 39, Beach Street, Space A-201, San Francisco, CA
If you’re headed to the FIFA World Cup matches in Santa Clara, you’ll likely fly into San Jose. There’s plenty to eat and see there, but make sure to take the Caltrain into San Francisco for at least a day. The city is a foodie’s dream, but nothing hits quite like clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. A great one can be found at Eagle Cafe on Pier 39. Serving breakfast and lunch favorites for nearly a century, the historic building was relocated to the wharf in the 1970s. And if you’re hoping to find a plate of the Bay’s famed Garlic fries? You can get those here too.
The Sight | San Francisco Cable Car System - Powell Street Station, 1 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf are icons, but the real experience is riding the city’s historic cable cars between the sites. The country’s only moving national monument - the cars come from all over and all eras, making a journey on these time capsules just as special as the final destination. (And as for the most famous SFO sites: Alcatraz Island is one that’s best viewed from the shore. Skip the tour.)
Seattle, Washington (USA) | Lumen Field
6 Matches (4 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16)
Pike Place Market is a popular spot with tourists in Seattle. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | The Crab Pot Seattle - 1305 Alaskan Way, Pier 57, Seattle, WA
First things first: grab a Seattle dog from a street cart. The beef hot dog (or Polish sausage) topped with grilled cheese and a smear of cream cheese is an Emerald City staple. Then head down to the waterfront and go big at The Crab Pot. The Royal Feast - a medley of four types of crab, potatoes, corn, and andouille - is legendary.
The Sight | Pike Place Market - 85 Pike Place, Seattle, WA
The Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture are renowned, but Pike Place Market is the city’s heartbeat. Wander Post Alley, progressively eat your way through the vendors, absorb the sights and smells, then grab yourself a drink. The Original Starbucks, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, and Old Stove Brewing are all great options.
Toronto, Ontario (CAN) | BMO Field
6 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32)
The peameal bacon sandwich is a Toronto staple. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | Carousel Bakery - St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front Street E, Toronto, ON
Philly has the cheesesteak. NYC has pastrami on rye. And Toronto has the peameal bacon sandwich. The Southern Ontario staple is quite simple: the namesake meat - lean, cured pork loin, rolled in cornmeal and thinly sliced - with mustard on white roll or bun. Carousel Bakery, inside St. Lawrence Market, invented the sandwich, but a handful of other spots in the market have their own version. Also, make sure to grab a butter tart, or one of Carousel’s other pastries.
The Sight | Hockey Hall of Fame - 30 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
As a traveling sports fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit. Housed in a gorgeous former bank building, the museum allows you to walk through Lord Stanley’s vault, see the original Stanley Cup, championship rings of years past, and experience the history of hockey up close. The chance to snap a photo with the most historic trophy in American sports is too good to pass up.
Vancouver, British Columbia (CAN) | BC Place
7 Matches (5 Group Stage, 1 Round of 32, 1 Round of 16)
Don’t make a trip to Stanley Park without stopping to see the First Nations totems. PHOTO CREDIT - disKCovery
The Bite | New Town Bakery & Restaurant - 148 E Pender Street, Vancouver, BC
The combination of natural beauty, architecture, and cultural diversity makes Vancouver unlike any other North American city. While San Francisco’s Chinatown get much of the fanfare, many would tell you that Vancouver’s feels much more authentic. Wander the neighborhood (consider finding a walking tour) , then stop at New Town Bakery & Restaurant for one - or a few - of their famous BBQ pork steamed buns.
The Sight | Stanley Park - 201 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver, BC
Located on the edge of Vancouver, Stanley Park offers breathtaking views of the skyline, mountains, and waterfront. The paved pathways makes the city’s largest, and oldest, park easy to explore. The First Nations totems at Brockton Point are a must-see attraction.
As someone who is usually chasing the world, it’s a nice change of pace to have it come to me.
Kansas City is having a moment. Six Matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a quarterfinal. Base camp for three of the best teams in the world, with nearby Lawrence hosting a fourth.
“I knew I was coming to the Heart of America; I didn’t know I was coming to the center of the universe.”
Moments like this don’t just come around.
Not here. Not like this.
I know this isn’t just once in my lifetime, but it’s likely once in the lifetime of this city. A century from now, Kansas Citians will still talk about this summer in the same way that our friends to the east still hang their hats on 1904.
For that reason, I plan to stay put next month. I’m soaking it in. I’m choosing to be a tourist in this city.
If that’s also your plan, disKCovery has more than enough to get you started. But if you are chasing the tournament across the continent, be sure to hit up these spots.
Godspeed.
Are you traveling for the FIFA World Cup? Which of these spots have you been to? Which of your favorites did I leave out? As always, share your recs in the comments!
