The 2026 World Cup will be held across three countries, and there’s one city using its stadium, which has been named the cheapest destination to visit, with affordable hotels
Football fans are gearing up for a major sporting event as the 2026 World Cup is just months away, and one of the major talking points is price.
England fans were left facing prices starting at £200 for the Group opener with Croatia and over £4,000 for a World Cup final seat, before FIFA made a small concession this week. The footballing body released a new set of cut-price World Cup tickets in the wake of the backlash, now guaranteeing a range of tickets at a fixed cost of £45 for every game at next summer’s tournament.
The cost of travel to the United States, Mexico, or Canada, and the eye-watering price of accommodation once there, means a trip is beyond the means of many hardcore football supporters, even if they manage to obtain one of the cheap tickets.
Happily, there is one host city in particular that bucks the hefty price-tag trend.
Monterrey in Mexico has been named the most affordable host destination to visit during the World Cup. According to Expedia’s Fan Travel Outlook which looked at Hotels.com data, the average daily rate of a hotel in Monterrey is £179, making it the most affordable of all the World Cup hosts.
At its stunning Estadio BBVA stadium, where the Cerro de la Silla mountain hangs over the pitch, four matches will be played. Teams including Tunisia, Japan, South Africa and South Korea will take to the turf.
On match days next June, there are some great deals to be had in Monterrey. They include:
- MV Suites, book on Hotels.com from £42 a night, a double room three miles from the stadium
- Loft MN960 Mty, book on Hotels.com from £83 per night for a room with two double beds in a city centre apartment
- Ibis Monterrey Valle, book on Hotels.com from £387 per night for one standard double room
- Autentico Monterrey, book on Hotels.com from £279 per night for one standard room that sleeps two
- Best Western Plus Monterrey Colon, book on Hotels.com from £320 per night for one standard room that sleeps four
The average hotel room cost in Monterrey is in stark contrast to the cost of a hotel in Vancouver, is currently setting back the average fan £475 for a one night stay.
Monterrey is set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Madre mountains, with the addition of parks like Chipinque, making it an ideal destination for hiking, biking, or taking a stroll around the nearby waterfalls. The city itself is modern, with a major industrial and business hub; yet, its culture and food scene, boasting local cuisine, is not to be missed.
Elsewhere, visitors can take advantage of the shopping opportunities at various outlets, explore museums like MARCO, and stroll through the vibrant streets. However, with sprawling landscapes and mountains surrounding Monterrey, the outdoor activities and hiking opportunities may be just what you need.
Mexico City was also named the best value for money during the World Cup. So if you’re hoping to catch a game and save some extra money, these, along with Monterrey, could be your best option.
Head of Expedia Group brands public relations, Melanie Fish, said: “The moment team draws were made, fans swarmed the Expedia app to make travel plans, with football-crazed nations like England leading the front line.
“Expedia’s Fan Travel Outlook is here to help fans come for football, stay for more: road-trip between host cities, fly into alternative airports, don’t forget holiday homes for extra space and use Expedia’s price tracking tool to score the amazing deals.
“The majority of host cities are seeing a surge in searches and prices. Some hotels closest to the stadiums are expected to sell out, so fans who want to make the trip should book sooner rather than later. If your plans aren’t set yet, use the Hotels.com Free Cancellation filter to secure a refundable rate before your options run out.”
For more information or to book your trip for the World Cup next year, you can visit the Expedia or Hotels.com websites.
The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11, as 48 football teams compete for their chance to win the coveted trophy for their country, with the final match scheduled for July 19. The World Cup will take place across 16 stadiums, spread across three destinations: 11 in the United States, two in Canada and three in Mexico.
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