World Cup Guide
Travel safety and security for World Cup 2026
Neighborhood Safety Guide

Neighborhood Safety Guide

Safety ratings, insider tips & scam alerts for every World Cup host city

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Rating: 8-10 Very Safe 7 Safe 5-6 Moderate 1-4 Caution

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

New York/New Jersey

7

Generally safe for tourists. Stay aware in crowded areas. Avoid isolated spots late at night.

5 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Los Angeles

6

Car-dependent city. Tourist areas are generally safe. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.

5 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Miami

7

Popular tourist city. Beach areas are safe. Be cautious in some inland neighborhoods.

5 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Dallas

7

Car-dependent city. Arlington entertainment district is very safe on match days.

4 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Houston

6

Sprawling city β€” safety varies by area. Tourist zones and stadium area are well-patrolled.

4 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Atlanta

6

Stadium is downtown β€” well-connected by MARTA. Some areas require caution at night.

4 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Philadelphia

6

Historic city with safe tourist areas. Center City and Old City are well-patrolled.

3 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Seattle

7

Generally safe city. Stadium is downtown, easily walkable from most tourist areas.

3 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

San Francisco

6

Stadium is in Santa Clara (45 min south). SF tourist areas are generally safe but some downtown areas have issues.

4 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Kansas City

7

Friendly Midwest city. Stadium area and tourist zones are safe. BBQ is incredible.

3 areas

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA

Boston

8

Safe city overall. Stadium is in Foxborough (30 mi south). Boston itself is very walkable.

4 areas

πŸ‡²πŸ‡½ Mexico

Mexico City

6

Massive city with safe tourist zones. Use authorized taxis or Uber. Amazing food and culture.

5 areas

πŸ‡²πŸ‡½ Mexico

Guadalajara

6

Mexico's second city. Tourist areas are safe. Home of tequila and mariachi.

4 areas

πŸ‡²πŸ‡½ Mexico

Monterrey

6

Industrial city with mountain backdrop. Tourist areas are safe. Excellent food scene.

3 areas

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Toronto

8

One of the safest large cities in North America. Very multicultural and welcoming.

4 areas

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Vancouver

8

Beautiful, safe city. Stadium is downtown. One of the world's most liveable cities.

4 areas

Scam Alerts

Common scams reported across World Cup host cities. Stay informed and stay safe.

Fake tickets

high risk

Counterfeit World Cup tickets sold online or by street vendors. Only buy from FIFA.com or authorized resellers.

Overpriced transportation

medium risk

Unlicensed taxis charging 5-10x normal rates near stadiums. Use Uber/Lyft or official stadium shuttles.

Fake merchandise

medium risk

Counterfeit jerseys and souvenirs. Buy from official FIFA stores or licensed retailers.

Accommodation scams

high risk

Fake Airbnb listings that don't exist. Book through verified platforms, read reviews, and confirm before paying.

Pickpockets at fan zones

medium risk

Crowded fan zones are prime targets. Use a money belt or front-pocket wallet.

Currency exchange scams

medium risk

Bad rates at airports and street exchangers. Use ATMs at banks or exchange at official bureaux.

Free bracelet/rose scam

low risk

Someone puts a bracelet on you then demands payment. Politely decline and walk away.

Wi-Fi phishing

medium risk

Fake Wi-Fi hotspots near stadiums stealing data. Use a VPN and avoid logging into banking on public Wi-Fi.

General Safety Tips

Essential safety tips for traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Keep copies of your passport and important documents in your hotel safe and digitally.

Register with your country's embassy before traveling.

Use official taxis, Uber, or Lyft β€” avoid unmarked cars.

Keep your phone charged and download offline maps.

Wear your bag across your body in crowded areas.

Don't flash expensive jewelry, cameras, or cash.

Learn basic phrases in the local language β€” locals appreciate the effort.

Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone.

Share your itinerary with someone back home.

Trust your instincts β€” if something feels wrong, leave.

Stay hydrated, especially in hot cities (Houston, Miami, Dallas, Mexico).

Buy travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Use hotel safes for passports and valuables.

Be extra cautious around ATMs β€” use ones inside banks.

In Mexico, only use authorized taxis or ride-share apps.