World Cup 2026 Game Planning
City Highlights -- What to Look Forward To
Quick reference for what makes each city special for the people going there. See 03-dallas, 04-toronto, and 05-philadelphia for full trip research.
Dallas – England vs. Croatia (Wed Jun 17, 3 PM CT)
Who’s going: Marina + Luka
Venue: AT&T Stadium (80k, air-conditioned)
Why This Game Is Special
England vs. Croatia is THE marquee match – 2018 World Cup semifinal rematch, two huge fanbases, worldwide spotlight, Group L opener. 80,000 in an air-conditioned stadium. Luka will remember this forever.
Highlights for Luka (11)
- Perot Museum “Soccer: More Than a Game” – 10k sq ft interactive soccer science. Kick balls at trajectory stations, design jerseys, build Lego stadiums. Made for him.
- Six Flags Over Texas + Hurricane Harbor – theme park + water park, both near the stadium
- Fair Park Fan Festival – 35k capacity, 1M sq ft, free entry
- The match itself – England is the opponent every kid wants to brag about
Logistics Reminders
- Rental car essential (no transit to Arlington)
- 93-100°F – plan indoor/water activities during peak heat
- Stadium is air-conditioned (relief from the heat)
- Fan Festival at Fair Park is ~25 min drive from stadium
Toronto – Panama vs. Croatia (Tue Jun 23, 7 PM ET)
Who’s going: Sukru + Marina + Luka + Maja (all 4)
Venue: BMO Field (~30k)
Why This City Shines
Best all-around family trip: walkable downtown, pleasant weather (75°F), diverse food scene, and a large Croatian community that will make the atmosphere feel like home. Fan Festival at Fort York is walking distance to the stadium.
Highlights for Everyone
| Person | Don’t Miss |
|---|---|
| Sukru | St. Lawrence Market (world top 10), Distillery District, diverse restaurant scene |
| Marina | Walkable everything, no car stress, Toronto Islands for a peaceful day |
| Luka | CN Tower EdgeWalk, ROM dinosaurs, Canada’s Wonderland, pickup soccer at Trinity Bellwoods |
| Maja | Ripley’s Aquarium, Toronto Islands / Centreville amusement park, Snakes & Lattes (board game cafe, kids under 12 free) |
Top Experiences
- Niagara Falls day trip – full day, Niagara City Cruises boat tour is the #1 must-do ($43/$28 CAD)
- CN Tower – observation deck + EdgeWalk for the brave
- St. Lawrence Market – Saturday morning is the experience
- Fan Festival at Fort York – walking distance to BMO Field, free, big screens
- Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Sat Jun 20, 4 PM) at Toronto Stadium – watchable at Fan Festival
Logistics Reminders
- Porter flights land at Billy Bishop (YTZ) – downtown, 10 min to hotel
- Best weather of the three cities (75°F, similar to a nice Boston day)
- Canadian Dollar ~$0.72 USD – everything is ~28% cheaper than it looks
- Avis Brookfield Place (161 Bay St) best for Niagara day trip rental
- CityPASS available (~$363 for family, saves ~$190)
Philadelphia – Croatia vs. Ghana (Sat Jun 27, 5 PM ET)
Who’s going: Marina + Luka + FIL (+ Sukru TBD)
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field (69k)
Why This City Works
Easiest logistics of the three: Saturday game, short flight or drivable from Boston, no car needed, compact walkable city. SEPTA subway direct to the stadium. Plus it’s America’s 250th anniversary – special exhibitions and events everywhere.
Highlights for the Group
| Person | Don’t Miss |
|---|---|
| Marina | Reading Terminal Market (80+ vendors), Rittenhouse Square neighborhood walks, compact walkable city |
| Luka | Franklin Institute (Giant Heart walk-through, earthquake simulator), Independence Hall, Eastern State Penitentiary (Al Capone’s cell) |
| FIL | Independence Hall + Liberty Bell (free), Reading Terminal Market, Rittenhouse Square park |
| Sukru (if going) | Zahav (modern Israeli, one of America’s best), Barnes Foundation (181 Renoirs), Philadelphia Museum of Art, East Passyunk dining |
Food Scene
- Reading Terminal Market – 80+ vendors, everyone picks their own. Soul food to Pennsylvania Dutch to Asian.
- Cheesesteaks – Pat’s, Geno’s, or Jim’s (the eternal debate)
- East Passyunk Ave – Le Virtu (Abruzzese BYOB), The Victor Cafe (servers sing opera between courses)
- Zahav – Michael Solomonov’s modern Israeli. Michelin Recommended.
- 3 Michelin-starred restaurants (awarded Nov 2025): Her Place Supper Club, Friday Saturday Sunday, Provenance
America’s 250th Anniversary (2026)
Philadelphia is ground zero for the celebrations:
- “A Nation of Artists” at PMA – 1,000+ American works, opens April 2026
- PAFA (Frank Furness building) freshly reopened April 2026
- ArtPhilly festival – 30+ exhibitions citywide
- Independence Hall and Liberty Bell will have special programming
Logistics Reminders
- SEPTA Broad Street Line from Center City to NRG Station – 20 min, $2.50/pp
- Game is Saturday – no weekday schedule stress
- Element Downtown hotel includes free breakfast + full kitchen
- FIL arrives 49 min after M+L – meet at baggage claim, share ride to hotel
At a Glance
| Dallas | Toronto | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | England vs. Croatia | Panama vs. Croatia | Croatia vs. Ghana |
| Date | Wed Jun 17, 3 PM CT | Tue Jun 23, 7 PM ET | Sat Jun 27, 5 PM ET |
| Venue | AT&T Stadium (80k) | BMO Field (~30k) | Lincoln Financial Field (69k) |
| Who | Marina + Luka | All 4 | Marina + Luka + FIL (+ Sukru TBD) |
| Weather | 93°F (air-conditioned stadium) | 75°F (most pleasant) | 84°F |
| Stadium access | Drive + park | Walk from hotel/Fan Festival | SEPTA subway (15 min) |
| Unique draw | Marquee match, theme parks | Croatian community, best weather | Saturday game, America 250, walkable |
| Food highlight | BBQ + Tex-Mex | St. Lawrence Market, diverse cuisine | Reading Terminal Market, Zahav |