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2026 FIFA World Cup: Our Best Tips to Save with Points

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup
2026 FIFA World Cup: Our Best Tips to Save with Points
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway. Kickoff took place on June 11, 2026, and the event is being held partly in Canada with 13 matches split between Toronto and Vancouver. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend one of the planet’s greatest sporting spectacles on our home turf.

The tournament has started: Canada played its opening match on June 12 in Toronto (a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina), with matches still to come in Vancouver and the entire knockout stage ahead. For soccer and travel enthusiasts, the challenge is twofold: securing tickets when the main official lotteries have ended, and managing your budget as dynamic pricing drives costs up. This complete guide presents all the up-to-date strategies as of June 2026 to maximize your chances of getting tickets, reduce your transportation and accommodation costs, and use your credit card and points wisely.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

How to Get Tickets in June 2026

The three main official ticketing phases are now closed: the Visa presale lottery (ended September 19, 2025), the RBC contest (ended October 29, 2025), and the « Early Ticket Draw » (closed October 31, 2025). The group draw took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington, followed by a « Random Selection Draw » allowing fans to target specific matches.

To date, more than 500 million requests have been processed by FIFA. The availability of tickets for direct sale is now historically low.

The Last-Minute Sales Phase

Since April 1, 2026, FIFA has opened its last-minute sales phase. Unlike previous phases, this is no longer a lottery: tickets are allocated on a « first come, first served » basis, with immediate confirmation. This is the last opportunity to purchase official tickets directly from FIFA.

The Official FIFA Resale Platform

If direct sales are sold out, the official FIFA resale platform has been open since October 2025. It’s the only authorized site where you can buy or sell verified tickets at regulated prices. Beware of unofficial platforms: as the tournament approaches, scams are multiplying.

For more details, check out our article on the 2026 FIFA World Cup: How to Secure Tickets.


Schedule of the 13 Matches in Canada

Following the draw on December 5, 2025, here is the complete official schedule of the 13 matches taking place in Canada. Canada plays all three of its group stage matches at home, including its opening match in Toronto on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BMO Field, Toronto (6 matches)

DateMatchStage
June 12Canada vs Bosnia and HerzegovinaGroup B (Canada’s opener)
June 17Ghana vs PanamaGroup L
June 20Germany vs Ivory CoastGroup E
June 23Panama vs CroatiaGroup L
June 26Senegal vs IraqGroup I
July 22nd Group K vs 2nd Group LRound of 16

BC Place, Vancouver (7 matches)

DateMatchStage
June 13Australia vs TürkiyeGroup D
June 18Canada vs QatarGroup B
June 21New Zealand vs EgyptGroup G
June 24Switzerland vs CanadaGroup B
June 26New Zealand vs BelgiumGroup G
July 21st Group B vs 3rd (Group E/F/G/I/J)Round of 16
July 7QuarterfinalQuarterfinal

The Best Credit Card for Your 2026 FIFA Trip

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card is an excellent choice for travelers heading to the World Cup. It combines a generous welcome bonus, 2 to 3 points per dollar on essential categories, and most importantly: no foreign transaction fees on purchases in foreign currencies.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

This 2.5% savings advantage on every transaction abroad makes all the difference if you plan to attend matches in the United States or Mexico in addition to Canada.

Additionally, the 6 annual airport lounge passes and comprehensive travel insurance make it an ideal travel companion. Your Scene+ points apply directly to all your travel expenses (flights, hotels, Airbnb) at the attractive rate of 1,000 points = $10 off.

Milesopedia named this card the Best Credit Card Without Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026. For sports fans planning a cross-border trip, it’s a tangible advantage worth hundreds of dollars in savings.

Strategic Use by Host Country

Here’s how to get the most out of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card depending on which country you attend matches in.

CountryMain AdvantagePotential Savings
Canada (Toronto, Vancouver)3 pts/$ groceries, 2 pts/$ dining and transitFast accumulation to fund the trip
United States (11 host cities)No foreign transaction fees + 2 pts/$ abroad2.5% savings on all USD purchases
Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey)No foreign transaction fees + 2 pts/$ abroad2.5% savings on all MXN purchases



Accommodation in Canada: Where to Stay During the 2026 FIFA

Just weeks before kickoff, the price surge is already well underway in hotels and Airbnb in both host cities. Availability in central areas is extremely limited. It’s essential to explore alternative accommodation options.

Don’t hesitate to target Marriott Bonvoy hotels located on the outskirts of Toronto and Vancouver, accessible by public transit or car. Prioritize using your free night certificates, which are your best asset for saving on a multi-day stay.

The great advantage of Scene+ points lies in their flexibility. They apply to all your travel expenses without restriction, including Airbnb rentals and any other travel expense. With 50,000 Scene+ points accumulated through your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you get $500 to apply to any accommodation.

Three Smart Accommodation Strategies

  • The connected outskirts: target a hotel or Airbnb 20-30 minutes by public transit from the stadium. In Toronto, areas like Liberty Village or The Junction remain affordable. In Vancouver, consider Burnaby or Richmond.
  • The short-stay combo: arrive 2 to 3 days before your match to take advantage of lower rates, then leave right after. Match nights cost up to 3 times more.
  • The multi-city road trip: if you’re following multiple matches, alternate between Airbnb and Marriott Bonvoy certificates. You avoid paying everything in cash while maintaining flexibility.

To learn all the best search tips, check out our article 2026 FIFA World Cup: How to Save on Accommodation.


Flights for the 2026 FIFA: Use Your Points

Given the exceptional demand expected, book your flights as soon as possible to avoid soaring prices. As the tournament approaches, fares climb week after week, especially for flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and major U.S. cities.

Start with Google Flights and its « Explore » feature to identify the best opportunities to host cities. If you have Aeroplan points, WestJet or VIPorter, now is the time to use them. The 2026 FIFA is the perfect occasion to redeem your patiently accumulated points.

Our Booking Strategy

  • Flexible approach: look at nearby airports (e.g., Buffalo for Toronto, Bellingham for Vancouver, Tijuana for San Diego)
  • Ground/air combination: fly to the cheapest hub, then take the train, bus, or rental car
  • Early arrival: arrive 2 to 3 days before the match to enjoy the festive atmosphere AND lower rates
  • Avoid next-day returns: return flights on D+1 show maximum demand. Shift by one or two days to save several hundred dollars

Read our article 2026 FIFA World Cup: Affordable Flights with Points to learn all the details.

If you’re traveling to watch matches in the United States and Mexico, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card saves you from paying 2.5% in foreign transaction fees on all your transactions. Plus, it’s a Visa card, and Visa is the official payment partner of FIFA. It’s the only payment method accepted on ticketing platforms, souvenir kiosks, and on-site at official venues.

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$150Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now



Mistakes to Avoid for Your 2026 FIFA Trip

Here are the most common pitfalls we see among travelers preparing for the World Cup. Avoid them and you’ll protect both your budget and your peace of mind.

  • Buying tickets on unofficial platforms: scams are multiplying as the event approaches. The official FIFA resale platform is the only authorized site. Beware of tempting offers on social media.
  • Paying in Canadian dollars abroad: at payment terminals in the United States and Mexico, systematically refuse the CAD conversion offered by the merchant (dynamic currency conversion). This rate is almost always worse than your credit card’s rate.
  • Using a card with foreign transaction fees: at 2.5% in fees, a $5,000 trip to the United States costs you $125 unnecessarily. A card without foreign transaction fees like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card completely eliminates this cost.
  • Keeping a non-Visa card near the stadium: Visa is FIFA’s official payment partner. At official sites, souvenir kiosks, and for tickets, it’s the only accepted payment method. Travel with a Visa card to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Booking your hotel at the last minute: in host cities, hotel rates have already doubled or even tripled. If you wait any longer, you’ll pay top dollar. Book now or target the outskirts.
  • Traveling without travel insurance: a canceled match, an injury, a missed flight… unexpected events are costly. Verify that your credit card includes comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Experiencing the 2026 FIFA Without Tickets: The Fan Festivals

Didn’t get tickets? It’s not the end of the story. You can still experience the FIFA atmosphere thanks to the official Fan Festival zones organized in each host city. Giant screens, musical performances, food trucks, children’s activities: the experience is festive and accessible to all, free of charge.

  • In Vancouver: head to Hastings Park to celebrate every match with thousands of other supporters.
  • In Toronto: the Fan Festival takes place at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway, right in the heart of the city.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a unique opportunity to experience a major global event on our home turf. With good planning, strategic use of points, and the right credit card in hand, you can turn this dream into an accessible reality.

To find everything in one place, check out our 2026 FIFA World Cup travel and points hub, which brings together all of our articles on tickets, flights, accommodation, and atmosphere.


Check out our guides on the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities:


2026 FIFA World Cup – Frequently Asked Questions

Which Cities in Canada Will Host 2026 FIFA Matches?

Two Canadian cities are hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Toronto at BMO Field (6 matches) and Vancouver at BC Place (7 matches). In total, 13 matches are being played in Canada, including all 3 group stage matches of the Canadian team.

What are the Dates for the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match is in Mexico City on June 11. In Canada, matches run from June 12 to July 7, 2026.

How Many Cities Are Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup Worldwide?

16 host cities are hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

  • In Canada: Toronto and Vancouver
  • In the United States: Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey
  • In Mexico: Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City

How to Buy 2026 FIFA Tickets in June 2026?

The main official lotteries (Visa presale, early draw, random draw post-group draw) are now closed. Since April 1, 2026, the last-minute sales phase has been open on a « first come, first served » basis, with immediate confirmation. The official FIFA resale platform has also been open since October 2025: it’s the only authorized site to buy or sell verified tickets.

How Much Do 2026 World Cup Tickets Cost?

FIFA is applying dynamic pricing for this edition: prices vary based on demand. Group stage matches started at $60 USD during presale, and the final can reach $6,730 USD. As the tournament approaches, seats still available for direct sale are historically low and prices are high. On the official resale platform, prices are regulated by FIFA.

Which Group Is Team Canada In?

Canada is playing in Group B with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland. The Canadian match schedule: June 12 in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina (opening match), June 18 in Vancouver against Qatar, and June 24 in Vancouver against Switzerland.

Which Credit Card to Use for the 2026 FIFA?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card is the ideal choice for the 2026 FIFA for two reasons: no foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad (2.5% savings in the United States and Mexico), and it’s a Visa card, FIFA’s official payment partner. Visa is the only payment method accepted on ticketing platforms, official kiosks, and at tournament sites.

What Are the Fan Festivals in Canada?

If you don’t have tickets, you can still experience the atmosphere for free at the official Fan Festivals: in Vancouver at Hastings Park, and in Toronto at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway. Giant screens, entertainment, food, and a festive atmosphere await you at every match.


Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.