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Left: Telus World of Science and B. C. Place Stadium, Vancouver, British Columbia image: awl images. words: stacy brooks; Amy Mutscher
WORLD CUP WARM-UP
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Stadiums and tourist infrastructure upgraded as North America gets ready to host World Cup 2026
F ans, players, and organizers are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 104 matches scheduled in 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 26, 2026. President Trump has organized a federal task force to assist the 11 U. S. host cities with the logistics of hosting an estimated 450,000 visitors each.
Venues in each host country are undergoing renovations to meet FIFA standards for players and fans. For example, additions to Toronto’ s BMO Field will boost the stadium’ s capacity by 17,750 seats, and Vancouver’ s B. C. Place stadium is installing new suites. AT & T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is getting upgrades to make the pitch FIFA-ready. Other efforts focus on local transportation and tourism infrastructure. Dallas-Fort Worth Airport is adding gates and streamlining customs. Atlanta’ s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport will use automated systems to minimize wait times. Los Angeles is expanding rail lines, and Miami is upgrading its mass transit system. Mexican host cities Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are developing new luxury and boutique hotels and investing in multilingual and cultural awareness training for hospitality staff to ensure visitors have a comfortable stay. For the ultimate experience, fans can book a fully customizable package with Roadtrips to follow their favorite team throughout the tournament or attend the championship final.
Beyond the matches, tourism boards are planning free FIFA Fan Festivals to entertain the influx of visitors. Toronto’ s festival at Fort York National Historic Site will feature live game broadcasts, music, art and food. In Vancouver, a new amphitheater in Hastings Park( also known as the PNE) will show matches on a giant screen with views of the mountains in the background. Atlanta is also re-energizing its Centennial Olympic Park, which was originally developed for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Azamara’ s summer 2027 plans Its summer 2027 cruises include six Grand Voyages of 35 to 41 nights. The smallship cruise line will also offer sailings coinciding with the Monaco Grand Prix and Japan’ s cherry blossom season.
Birdwatching in Colombia Thanks to its varied ecosystems, Colombia has over 1,900 species of birds, more than any other country. The South American nation hopes to attract more birdwatchers by building eco-lodges and employing specialized ornithologist guides.
Details of Crystal’ s world cruise Crystal’ s 150-night world cruise will set sail from Fort Lauderdale and visit 84 destinations, 39 countries and six continents aboard the Crystal Symphony. Runs from January 11 to June 10, 2028.
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