Football summer

Long a key part of the cultural landscape in Europe and South America, football’s now enjoying its moment in the spotlight in North America too – and there are plenty of exciting matches to look forward to in 2026, set to take place in exciting cities across the US, Canada and Mexico. What could be better than coming together with fans from around the globe and accompanying your team through the highs and lows – all whilst soaking up the unique buzz of the fan zones and the electric stadium atmosphere?

Types of football travellers and where to stay

• Solo supporters: if you’re a die-hard fan, you may well want to go on a solo trip to follow your team across the country – or even across the world – in their quest for victory. Some of the best kinds of hotels for this kind of sports travel are accommodation close to the stadium for maximum convenience and city-centre hotels for easy access to major attractions on non-match days. You might also want to be within easy reach of communal fan bars so that you can dissect each match’s outcome with like-minded supporters.
• Couples: nothing says ‘romance’ like the joint emotional journey of a 90-minute football game. If sharing the highs and lows in the stands isn’t enough for you lovebirds, up the ante off the pitch, too, by booking a chic hotel with an on-site spa and restaurant. If you can find somewhere with a rooftop bar, even better – that’s the perfect place to gaze at a stunning sunset with your beloved whilst (hopefully) celebrating your team’s win. 
• Friends & fan groups: if the whole gang’s keen to see the beautiful game up close, you’ve got the workings of a great trip on your hands. After all, what could be better than indulging your hobby with a big group of friends? Consider booking a hotel with a shared lounge area so that you can chill out after leaving the stadium – or opt for somewhere close to the city’s nightlife district so that you can keep the party going even after the final whistle. 
• Families: even the youngest budding football stars would be thrilled to catch a glimpse of their idols up close. A family trip to see a world-class football game is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike. Keep them happy once the action’s over by booking a child-friendly hotel with a pool, slides and maybe even a kids’ club – and make life easy for yourself by choosing a hotel near football venues or somewhere with easy transport links. 

Venues 

There is a whole host of stunning stadiums to discover. From Texas’s AT&T Stadium, home to one of the largest HD screens in the world, to Georgia’s iconic falcon-inspired Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the venues are a testament to architectural prowess. And, of course, their sizes vary, too: you’ve got everything from New York’s mammoth MetLife stadium (78,576 seats) to Toronto’s cosier BMO Field stadium (44,315 seats) to enjoy. 

Football travel planning tips 

• When to book: hotels can fill up fast during major tournaments, so it’s worth booking early to maximise your chances of finding a well-located spot. You might even be able to snap up a budget-friendly sports travel deal, too. 
• Where to stay: for maximum convenience, pick a hotel within walking distance of the stadium. That not only makes getting from A to B as quick and easy as possible, but also lets you soak up the atmosphere in the surrounding fan zones. 
• What to pack: your team’s scarf or shirt aside, it’s worth being pragmatic with your packing. You might be on your feet cheering for most of the game, so comfy shoes are a must – as is a waterproof jacket, just in case the weather takes a turn. Don’t forget your power bank, too: you don’t want your mobile phone to run out of power just as you snap a shot of the winning goal.
• How to get there: car parking can be in short supply during large-scale events, so consider taking public transport or a rideshare to get to your destination. Certain venues even run shuttle buses, which makes the whole experience seamless. 

Why book with Hotels.com for your football trip 

Booking your sports trip accommodation through Hotels.com lets you find exactly what you need. A spacious suite with space for all of your footy-mad gang? A cheerful, kid-friendly hotel that suits the whole family? Or a high-end boutique residence where you and your beloved can toast your favourite team’s success? Hotels.com has plenty of great hotels for football fans. And the map feature helps you make sure your accommodation is exactly where you want it, too – whether that’s near the stadium or the city centre. Plus, many Hotels.com properties offer convenient benefits like daily housekeeping, on-site pools and in-house gyms, meaning they’re the ideal home away from home during busy trips when, say, you’d rather be celebrating in the fan zone than making your bed. Not yet sure where your team’s going to be playing? Use the ‘free cancellation’ filter to see properties with maximum flexibility.* One last tip: make sure you join Hotels.com’s loyalty programme, where instant savings and great rewards await. We can’t promise your team will win – but we can promise a smooth, seamless stay. 

Frequently asked questions

*Free cancellation on selected hotels. Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. See site for details