If you haven’t managed to secure tickets to the FIFA World Cup this summer, you may not need them. A single ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup can cost four figures for 90 minutes of play. The same spend can stretch into an entire weekend in Las Vegas, a Caribbean cruise, or a beachfront watch party in Southern California.
In many cases, these settings rival the atmosphere in the stands. One match, many vantage points—each with a distinct energy and a different way of drawing fans in. Fans trade assigned seats in order to choose how they watch, who they watch with, and what surrounds them in the moment.
Airbnb data shows demand clustering around specific matchups rather than just host cities. Among the most in-demand games are Mexico versus South Africa in Mexico City, USA versus Paraguay in Los Angeles, and Brazil versus Morocco in the New York–New Jersey region. Travelers plan trips around the energy of a single game, then look for the best setting to experience it, ticket or not.
Watch the World Cup at Sea
Some fans will watch from the water. On board MSC Cruises, matches will air live across all ships from June 11 through July 19, 2026. Lounges, pool decks, and outdoor screens become gathering points for vacationers who don’t want to miss even a moment of the action. The cruise line will have tournament-themed activities, interactive games, quizzes, and family-friendly programming in addition to its regularly scheduled itinerary.
On MSC Seaview’s July 5 Mediterranean sailing, a full day at sea lands during the knockout stage. After boarding the ship in Rome and spending a full day in Palermo, guests will be at sea on July 7th for the round of 16 match at Atlanta Stadium. A 12 p.m. ET kickoff lands at 6 p.m. in Italy. Bars and lounges across the ship fill in as kickoff approaches, with larger screens drawing the biggest crowds. The timing avoids overlap with port visits.
On MSC Seaside’s June 12 sailing from Miami, passengers board the same day as the USA versus Paraguay, settling in onboard as the match kicks off. The ship departs at 5 pm, meaning guests can enjoy pre-game cocktails and dinner before donning jerseys to cheer on Team USA at 9:00 pm. On longer Bahamas itineraries, a dedicated sea day often lands within the group stage. The June 15 Bahamas sailing aboard MSC Seaside aligns with France versus Senegal.
Beachfront in San Diego
San Diego FC brings matches to the beach on pop-up screens at Fit Social so fans can gather on the sand as games play out against the Pacific. The crowd builds as kickoff approaches, and the match becomes part of a larger day spent outdoors.
“San Diego is a football city, and this partnership allows us to celebrate the global game with our community in a special way,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “Mission Beach will be the go-to hub for fans looking to unite, celebrate, and experience the world’s biggest sporting event against one of the most scenic backdrops in the world, with Fit Social providing the perfect setting for the ultimate fan experience.”
For Team USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12, crowds are expected to build throughout the day, carrying momentum into a 6 p.m. kickoff along the shoreline. Team USA returns on June 19 against Australia at 12 p.m. PT. Attendees can decide to make it a long weekend and take that Friday off to cheer on their team during the group stage.
Las Vegas Long Weekend
You could spend four figures on a single match ticket or put that same budget toward a stay at Circa Resort & Casino. Stadium Swim delivers a 143-foot screen, six pools, and a setup designed for all-day viewing. Book a cabana, settle in, and let the schedule carry you from match to match without ever leaving your lounger.
For a more composed setting, check into The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Oversized suites give you space to reset between matches, then head downstairs to the Yahoo Sportsbook powered by William Hill for leather chairs and wall-to-wall screens. Or book an exclusive fan cave and enjoy your own 98-inch tv and in-room service.
At Caesars Palace, the World Cup plays out across multiple venues. Start at Caesars Race & Sportsbook’s for its 143′ HD LED screen, move to the pool deck, then back inside as the schedule shifts. The format allows fans to move between venues as matches progress—no fixed seat, no single way to watch. An official stadium ticket gets you 90 minutes. In Las Vegas, the same spend builds a full weekend around the match.
Fans do not need tickets or travel plans tied to a host city. They can step into a crowd, find a screen, and watch alongside others drawn to the same match. The World Cup plays out across shared spaces, one crowd at a time.
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