The FIFA World Cup is in North America this summer - June 11 through July 19, 2026. The tournament, which will be watched by nearly 6 billion sports fans worldwide, will visit 16 host cities. This includes 11 stadiums across the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
From the bustling streets of New York to the scenic Pacific Northwest and historic hubs like Philadelphia and Mexico City, each destination offers its own unique story. In this editorial, we’ve paired select World Cup locations with unforgettable books (and companion travel guides) that capture the spirit of each host city. Consider this your ultimate reading companion for the world’s biggest and most-watched sports tournament.
World Cup Cities: West Coast
The Rest of Our Lives
by Ben Markovits
When Tom Layward's wife had an affair 12 years ago, he resolved to leave her as soon as his youngest child left the nest. Now, while driving his college-bound daughter to Pittsburgh, he remembers this promise.
Rather than returning to his wife in Westchester, Tom keeps driving west, with the vague plan of visiting people from his past. He'll see an old college friend, his ex-girlfriend, his brother, and his son while en route, maybe, to California.
Pitch-perfect, tender, and keenly observed, The Rest of Our Lives is national bestseller and Booker Prize finalist. Markovits's latest novel will remind you that even as middle-age approaches, the rest of your life is only just beginning.
Pacific Coasting: A Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip, from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest
by Danielle Kroll
Roll down the windows, turn up the radio, and take a drive along the world's most magical coastline. Created by artist and road-tripper Danielle Kroll, Pacific Coasting will take you through the World Cup cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver on a 2,000-mile route.
This epic travel guide includes maps, packing lists and playlists. Yes, you'll know exactly what to listen to whether you're driving past the Hearst Castle or Seattle's Lumen Field.
World Cup Cities: California to New York
The Lincoln Highway
by Amor Towles
It's 1954, and 18-year-old Emmett Watson has just been released from a juvenile work farm. When he returns home, his mother is gone, his father is dead, and the family farm has been foreclosed.
He intends to take his young brother from Nebraska to California for a fresh start. However, when two escapees from the work farm hide away in the warden's truck, Emmett's plans take a dramatic turn. The two brothers find themselves on an unexpected road trip. They're headed toward New York City, not California, on the legendary Lincoln Highway.
Spanning just 10 days and told from multiple viewpoints, Towles's third novel (a #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER) provides a satisfy blend of rich surroundings, characters and themes that make for enjoyable reading and book club discussions.
America's Loneliest Road: U.S. 50 and the Lincoln Highway in Nevada
by Stephen H Provost
First conceived in 1912, the historic Lincoln Highway was the nation's first transcontinental road. It spans 13 states and over 3,300 miles from Times Square in NYC to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, both 2026 World Cup host cities. The road was stitched together from barren wagon ruts and faint desert paths. Unlike most major highways, it was funded by donations from auto industry titans, rather tolls or taxes.
America's Loneliest Road by journalist Stephen H. Provost retraces these pioneering trails and roads. The book is a nostalgic travelogue accompanied by some 400 vintage and modern images. You'll rediscover abandoned pavement and explore ghost towns as you trace this desolate road from the late 19th century to today.
World Cup Host Cities: Philadelphia
Housemates
by Emma Copley Eisenberg
Set in a thin-walled apartment in West Philly, Housemates focuses on queer roommates Bernie (a photographer) and Leah (a writer). The duo's relationship suddenly deepens when Leah volunteers travel to America's heartland with Bernie while he settles a complicated family matter.
Infused with warmth, humor, and creativity, Housemates becomes a journey of self-discovery, rediscovery and love. Eisenberg's second major release was named a Best Book of 2024 by The Boston Globe and a top 15 LGBTQ+ Books to Read for Pride by Time.
Fodor's Philadelphia: With Valley Forge, Bucks County, the Brandywine Valley, and Lancaster County
by Fodor's Travel Guides
In Philadelphia, you can nosh on a cheesesteak, see the Liberty Bell, or catch one of the six World Cup games happening at Lincoln Financial Stadium this summer. It's also the perfect place to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.
For quality travel recommendations, you can trust Fodor's. This travel guidebook features more than 20 maps, along with detailed itineraries and sightseeing recommendations. Fodor's works with regional travel writers and opinionated locals to offer trusted travel tips to maximize your time in this historic World Cup city.
World Cup Cities: Mexico
Reservoir Bitches: Stories
by Dahlia de la Cerda - Julia Sanches - Heather Cleary
"Life's a bitch. That's why you gotta rattle her cage, even if she's foaming at the mouth." This English translation interweaves 13 fast-paced stories about contemporary Mexican women at all levels of society.
Characters include the daughter of a cartel boss, a femicide victim, a group of spinster seamstresses, and a socialite whose politician husband faked his indigenous heritage. Filled with grit and dark humor, each vignette takes a sharp look at life in modern-day Mexico. Dahlia de la Cerda's award-winning short story collection has even been optioned to become a TV series distributed by Amazon Studios. Although a release date hasn't been announced, we're anxiously waiting.
Lonely Planet Mexico
by Lonely Planet - Joel Balsam - Jennifer Fernández Solano - John Hecht - Nellie Huang - Anna Kaminski - Liza Prado - Brendan Sainsbury - Regis St Louis - Paul Stafford - Iain Stewart - Phillip Tang
Mexico is expected to welcome over 800,000 soccer fans for the 2026 World Cup. Thirteen matches are scheduled in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. If you're traveling, Lonely Planet's Mexico provides information about everything you'll want to see, eat or do.
This re-organized guidebook is packed with information covering Mexico City, the Pacific Coast, the Yucatán and beyond. You'll find recommendations and itineraries about everything from food and dining to hiking, market-hopping and festivals. From must-see sights to hidden gems, create a trip that's uniquely yours with Lonely Planet's Mexico.
World Cup Cities: Toronto
The Chambermaid's Key
by Genevieve Graham
Welcome to the Dominion Hotel, where secrets lurk behind every locked door. Set in 1929 and the present day, The Chambermaid's Key a gripping dual-timeline novel about a young chambermaid, a handsome waiter, and a murder that will reverberate for nearly a century.
Known as the queen of Canadian historical fiction, Genevieve Graham sets her latest story in the fictional Dominion Hotel, which is based on Toronto's Fairmont Royal York. However, the hotel's shiny chandeliers and polished marble aren't as glamorous as they seem. The property has links to corrupt gangsters who profited during The Great Depression. Decades later, when building inspector Bridget Kelly starts to review the lastest remodeling work, dark secrets about its violent past begin to emerge.
Fodor's Toronto: With Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region
by Fodor's Travel Guides Fodor's Travel Guides
If you're visiting Toronto to catch a soccer match at BMO Field, why not drive around the end of Lake Ontario to enjoy panoramic views of Niagara Falls? The falls (there are actually three) attract over 12 million visitors annually. They're widely regarded as a Tier-1 global attraction.
Toronto also offers a wealth of other activities and amenities. Snap panoramic photos from CN Tower, sample authentic dim sum in Chinatown, or soak up the nightlife in the Entertainment or Distillery districts. Fodor's Toronto guidebook includes maps, detailed itineraries and practical tips for effortless travel planning.
Other World Cup Cities to Explore
From Toronto and New York City to Mexico and the Pacific Coast, these travel guides and book pairings will carry you through the World Cup. But there's so much more to explore. Matches are also happening in Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami and Boston. This means that are boundless opportunities to experience each city's unique history, culture and cuisine. And there are even more destination-focused books to enjoy.