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World Cup 2026 Group Stage Analysis
Compare all 12 groups with quick stats, transit ratings, and climate context before you commit to a travel plan.
Methodology
This analysis evaluates all 12 groups across five fan-relevant factors: total distance, stadium transit access, climate zones, complexity, and unique cities.
Each data point is derived from verified venue logistics and geographic mapping across all 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Host city map
Sixteen host cities across North America power every group. Zoom and tap to preview stadium locations.
Key takeaways
- Group I is the shortest loop at just 1,161 miles and only one border crossing.
- Group J is the toughest itinerary with 6,424 miles and zero rail-friendly stadiums.
- Transit gaps cluster around Dallas, Kansas City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Guadalajara.
- Climate swings matter: coastal fog in San Francisco vs. triple-digit heat in Texas and Mexico.
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Get detailed analysis for each group below.
Group breakdown
Group A
Mexico + Atlanta
Group A mixes Mexico's altitude with the Deep South's humidity.
- Distance
- 3,953 mi
- Cities
- 4
- Border crossings
- 2
- Countries
- Mexico, USA
Group B
Canada + West Coast USA
Group B stretches from Toronto to Seattle with three border crossings and two challenging stadiums in Santa Clara and Inglewood.
- Distance
- 3,815 mi
- Cities
- 5
- Border crossings
- 3
- Countries
- Canada, USA
Group C
East Coast + South
Group C keeps everything inside the United States with manageable distances along the East Coast.
- Distance
- 2,406 mi
- Cities
- 5
- Border crossings
- 0
- Countries
- USA
Group D
West Coast Loop
Group D hops repeatedly between California and the Pacific Northwest, forcing fans to revisit Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
- Distance
- 3,864 mi
- Cities
- 4
- Border crossings
- 2
- Countries
- USA, Canada
Group E
Cross-Country Chaos
Group E criss-crosses North America with two border crossings and a wide geographic spread.
- Distance
- 4,603 mi
- Cities
- 5
- Border crossings
- 2
- Countries
- USA, Canada
Group F
Texas + Mexico
Group F is geographically compact but punishing on heat and transit.
- Distance
- 2,348 mi
- Cities
- 4
- Border crossings
- 2
- Countries
- USA, Mexico
Group G
West Coast Ping-Pong
Group G bounces repeatedly between Vancouver, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
- Distance
- 3,245 mi
- Cities
- 3
- Border crossings
- 2
- Countries
- USA, Canada
Group H
South + Mexico
Group H keeps travel concentrated in the southern US with a late hop to Guadalajara.
- Distance
- 3,322 mi
- Cities
- 4
- Border crossings
- 1
- Countries
- USA, Mexico
Group I
Northeast Corridor
Group I is the most compact itinerary in the tournament, hugging the Amtrak spine from Boston to Philadelphia before finishing in Toronto.
- Distance
- 1,161 mi
- Cities
- 4
- Border crossings
- 1
- Countries
- USA, Canada
Group J
Cross-Country Nightmare
Group J is the toughest travel draw: coast-to-coast swings between Dallas and the Bay Area with Kansas City wedged in the middle.
- Distance
- 6,424 mi
- Cities
- 3
- Border crossings
- 0
- Countries
- USA
Group K
South + Mexico Odyssey
Group K mixes altitude, tropical humidity, and long-haul flights.
- Distance
- 4,422 mi
- Cities
- 5
- Border crossings
- 2
- Countries
- USA, Mexico
Group L
East Coast + Texas
Group L alternates between Toronto and major Northeast hubs before finishing in Philadelphia.
- Distance
- 3,605 mi
- Cities
- 5
- Border crossings
- 2
- Countries
- Canada, USA