With strong interest expected from football supporters in the UAE ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Skyscanner has released travel advice and planning tools to help fans prepare for the long journey to North America.
2026 FIFA World Cup
The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Following the recent draw, fixtures, host cities and kick-off times have now been confirmed.
Saudi Arabia is among the 48 participating nations and will play Uruguay in Miami, Spain in Atlanta and Cape Verde in Houston during the group stage.
Although the UAE did not qualify, the country has a large football-following community and is home to fans whose national teams will compete. Travel demand from the UAE to the host nations is therefore expected to rise in the months leading up to the event.
Planning support
Skyscanner said its Football Flight Finder tool can assist supporters in the UAE and Saudi Arabia by matching fixtures with available flights, highlighting routes for each game through to the final. The platform also provides options for hotels and multi-city journeys across North America.
Travel tips
Skyscanner shared several recommendations for travellers:
Consider nearby airports
Many major cities have more than one airport. Using the platform’s “nearby airports” option can expand choices and sometimes reduce costs.Avoid peak days
Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend departures. The “Whole Month Search” feature helps users identify the lowest-priced travel dates.Mix airlines if needed
Travellers may save money by combining different carriers or choosing indirect routes, provided there is enough time between connections.Check visa rules
Some routes between host cities may involve crossing borders. Fans are advised to confirm visa requirements well in advance.Explore road travel
Long-distance driving is common in North America, and the match schedule offers opportunities for road trips between cities. Car hire and accommodation can also be booked through Skyscanner.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
