(Le Floridien ) — Miami has been highlighted as one of the top host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ranking eighth overall but offering the greatest hotel availability out of all U.S. host venues. A new study by SeatPick analyzed the 11 American host cities and ranked them on factors such as stadium capacity, number of matches hosted, hotel availability, and food and beverage affordability.
According to the report, Dallas, Texas, takes the top spot with an index score of 84.42 out of 100—nearly 26 points higher than second-place Atlanta. Dallas will host nine World Cup matches, more than any other city, at its 94,000-seat stadium. The city also offers relatively reasonable food prices, with hamburgers averaging $4.86 and beer at $10.66.
Atlanta ranked second with a score of 58.92, thanks to strong hotel availability at 32.69 hotels per 100,000 residents. The Georgia capital will host eight matches at its 75,000-seat stadium and provides competitive pricing for food and drinks, with beer at $10.62 and hamburgers at $4.98.
New York/New Jersey placed third with a score of 53.69 out of 100. While hotel availability is limited at just 3.78 hotels per 100,000 residents, the region makes up for it with a high hotel quality rating of 8.00 out of 10. Its 82,500-seat stadium will host eight matches during the tournament.
Los Angeles secured fourth place with a score of 45.24. The city will also host eight matches, played in its 70,000-capacity stadium, and boasts one of the highest hotel quality ratings at 8.08. However, fans can expect steep food prices, with pizza averaging $14.55.
Houston rounded out the top five with a score of 42.79. The Texas city will host seven matches in a 72,000-seat stadium and is praised for offering the most affordable hamburgers of all host cities at just $4.59. Hotel availability also ranked strong, with 15.99 hotels per 100,000 residents.
Miami, while ranking eighth overall, earned recognition for offering the greatest hotel availability of any U.S. host city. This makes it a particularly attractive destination for the thousands of international fans expected to attend.
Fan affordability remains a key consideration across all venues. The study noted that Kansas City offers the cheapest beer at $9.28, while Philadelphia boasts the most affordable pizza at $10.99.
As the world’s most prestigious sporting event approaches, the SeatPick study suggests that Dallas will set the standard for hosting in 2026, but Miami’s hotel advantage may play a crucial role in accommodating fans and cementing its place as one of the standout destinations during the tournament.
