The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already well underway and has already given global passionate fans some thrilling matches and surprising results. To accommodate the expanded 48 team capacity, the tournament is being hosted in 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, meaning teams and their fans, have been travelling extensively. So which of the most prolific teams will travel the most and which fans will spend the most?
Team flight routes
Online flight route mapper, myflightroutes.com put together a handy fan’s travel guide for each of the 13 most high profile teams, detailing flights needed with approximate costs and flight maps.
Argentina matches were and will be hosted in Kansas City or Dallas, with an estimated cost of $1,725 and 1,537 minutes in the air (4 flights).
Brazilians travelled from home to New York (NY)/or New Jersey (NJ) to Philadelphia (PA) and Miami, 1,230 minutes flying time for approximately $1,880 (3 flights).
French Fans have travelled from France to NY/NJ then PA and Boston, travelling for 1,009 minutes for $1,450 (3 flights).
For England’s group matches, fans have and will travel from the UK and then between Dallas, Boston and New York/NJ for 1,355 minutes with a suggested cost of $1,690 (4 flights).
Germany travelled to Houston then Toronto then will return to NY/NJ travelling for 1,393 minutes for a cost of $2,010 (4 flights).
Spanish fans flew to Atlanta for two matches and then will travel to Guadalajara for 1,534 minutes at a cost of $1,820 (4 flights).
Portugal flew from their home country to Houston for two matches and then on to Miami, 1,344 minutes for a cost of $1,850 (4 flights).
Fans from the Netherlands flew to Dallas and Houston, ending up in Kansas City, 1,596 minutes at a cost of $1,980 (6 flights). These fans boarded the most flights on this list.
Fans of Belgium flew to Seattle, then Los Angeles and eventually Vancouver (1,685 minutes, $1,930 over 5 flights).
Morocco flew to NY/NJ, then Boston and Atlanta (1,270 minutes, $1,610, 5 flights).
Host nation Mexico started at home in Mexico City then travelled to Guadalajara before returning (660 minutes, $810, 4 flights). This was said to be the most affordable team to follow in this tournament.
Japanese fans flew to Dallas, then Monterrey then back to Dallas (1,742 minutes, $2,630, 4 flights).
Australians clearly travelled the furthest and spent the most in this list, flying to Vancouver, then Seattle and San Francisco (2,064 minutes, over 34 hours, spending approximately $2,700 on 4 flights).
Football unites the world
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just about football but also travel, as it has certainly boosted the air miles for those fans willing and able to get on a flight or three, to follow their country’s progress. It is worth noting the distance and cost implications for fans of New Zealand and many of the African nations participating such as Senegal. But whether you watch the games in the stadiums, at home or socially, the FIFA World Cup is always about anticipation, joy and sometimes disappointment.
Have you travelled to any of the FIFA World Cup Games? Let us know in the comments below.
