With the countdown underway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, thousands of Paraguayans are already planning their travel. Many intend not only to support the Albirroja, but also to take advantage of their stay to explore the host destinations. In response to this trend, excursions platform Civitatis, partner of Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur), compiled a practical guide detailing the most requested activities by Paraguayan fans in California, where the team plays its group stage matches.
The guide also offers useful information on what to do in each host city during the tournament. Data collected by the platform shows that the cities with the highest number of World Cup-related bookings are New York, Miami, Mexico City, Toronto, and Vancouver. These destinations concentrate a wide range of excursions, guided tours, and experiences suitable for short stays.
Paraguay’s group stage fixtures
The Paraguayan national team will play its group stage matches in California. The team will compete in both Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. This West Coast focus provides a unique travel opportunity for the team’s dedicated supporters.
The team’s debut is scheduled for 12 June, when they will face the United States at the Los Angeles Stadium. Following this opening match, the Albirroja will travel north to play two games at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. These fixtures are set for 19 and 25 June, with the final group match being against Australia.
Los Angeles and San Fransisco
For Paraguayan fans in California, Civitatis recommends combining football with tourist activities in both cities:
- Los Angeles: West Coast tours that include destinations such as Yosemite National Park, Monument Valley or Death Valley, plus visits to theme parks such as Universal Studios Hollywood.
- San Francisco: Bay Area tours with a visit to Alcatraz, city sightseeing buses, and excursions to Yosemite National Park to see giant sequoia forests.
The most popular host cities
The information gathered by the platform highlights a clear preference among Paraguayan travellers for major North American hubs. These cities offer a diverse array of cultural and entertainment options that appeal to visitors travelling for the football.
Among the most booked activities are:
- Miami: boat trips to the Bahamas, airboat tours through the Everglades wetlands to observe crocodiles, night cruises to appreciate the skyline, shopping tours through the outlets, and visits to Key West.
- New York: urban tours through neighborhoods and iconic landmarks, such as the Contrasts tour, as well as sporting activities like attending New York Yankees games.
- Mexico City: cultural experiences, especially excursions to the Teotihuacan archaeological zone and the Basilica of Guadalupe.
- Toronto: excursions to nearby natural environments, such as Niagara Falls, and cultural visits such as the Royal Ontario Museum.
The guide aims to streamline this process by presenting the most popular and highly-rated options in each location. Civitatis is considered a world leader in providing guided tours in Spanish and Portuguese, and offers more than 90,000 activities across 4,200 destinations in 160 countries.
An opportunity for tourism
Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup is set to mobilise not only football fans but also international tourism on a grand scale. The tournament presents a significant opportunity for people to discover some of North America’s most emblematic destinations.
This fusion of sport and travel highlights how major global events can act as powerful catalysts for the tourism industry. It encourages visitors to extend their stays and explore beyond the primary reason for their trip, creating a richer and more memorable experience for everyone involved.
