Kick Off, Close to Home
For the first time since 1994, a global phenomenon will return to the U.S. as part of the tri-nation FIFA World Cup. Matches will be scattered across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. from June 11 to July 19, and while there won't be a match in New Orleans, some of our neighbors will be hosting.
Here is a list of cities nearby that will be hosting, and some information on getting to them. Getting to the game just got a little easier.
Dallas
Just a quick hour or so flight away, Dallas is an obvious choice for keeping FIFA related escapades quick and manageable.
Driving is an option, too, but just because everything is
bigger in Texas, doesn't mean it's any faster. Highway congestion into Dallas
is a given for an event like this, and I don't even want to think about parking
near the stadium.
If you have the time for it, a bus ride to Dallas is affordable
but can take anywhere from 9 to12 hours. It's a great way to save money and
beat the airport chaos. It's also the perfect amount of time to read that big
book you have been avoiding since last January.
Getting to Dallas is pretty straightforward, but once you
get there, it's all about how you move through the city. As you'll see
throughout this article, I'm a firm believer that public transit is the way to
go. Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Trinity Railway Express will get you most
of the way to the stadium. From there, shuttles will be provided. Download
their public transit app, GoPass, and get around like a pro.
For more info on all things Dallas FIFA, visit their website.
Houston
Houston is our closest neighbor hosting the World Cup, and
the largest city to host the event in our proximity. With a population of 2
million, Houston is used to numbers, but as anyone that has driven to Houston
will tell you, it has some of the worst highway congestion.
Don't worry, there are alternatives. Flying, over course, is
going to be like Dallas, just over an hour in flight. The airport is larger, but
it beats sitting in traffic. The Sunset Limited is also a viable, cost-effective
option. This Amtrak route is scenic, but at around a nine-hour commute, this budget-friendly
option requires a bit more planning. It should be noted that this train is not
daily.
What's new is how Houston plans to move people once they get there. With the World Cup acting as a launch pad, the city will be opening the Green Corridor, a 14-mile artery designed for pedestrians, bicyclist, and transit riders. It's a major shift away from cars and an investment in safe commuting. This means options for visitors and residents, including walking, biking, and riding.
For more info on all things Houston FIFA, visit their website.
Atlanta
Atlanta may just be the perfect home for the 2026 World Cup.
Home to the world's busiest international airport, as well as their 1996 Olympic
legacy, the city knows a thing or two about what to expect.
The drive is just around seven hours, is scenic, and
bypasses the whole "busiest airport in the world" situation. However, for those
with limited time, the flights from MSY to Atlanta are the same as our other
cities, about an hour.
Of the other neighboring hosts, Atlanta's core is built for
transit. MARTA lines connect the airport directly to downtown, and reaching the
stadium is just one transfer away. What the rails don't cover are supplemented
with an extensive bus network.
For more info on all things Atlanta FIFA, visit their website.
Miami
Miami stretches the definition of "close-by" just a bit but earns
its place on the list.
Flights to Miami clock at just under two hours, far more
efficient than the 12-hour drive. Once you get there, though, the car still may
be your best bet.
Transit infrastructure is growing, such as the Bright rail,
which connects most of south Florida, and FIFA is sure to have shuttles in
place for easy commutes to the stadium. Rideshares are also a great option,
though surge prices are likely.
Miami may require more planning, but it's worth it in order to see the World Cup against the backdrop of beach, nightlife, and culture.
For more info on all things Miami FIFA, visit their website.
