Road to World Cup 2026 Starts in Orlando

Quick question for all footy fans: Did you know the Road to World Cup 2026 starts here in Orlando next month? That’s right, some of the first – and biggest – warm-up matches for this summer’s mighty FIFA tournament will be right here in The City Beautiful, and we have all the details to get you excited about some world-class soccer right on our doorstep.

As most people will know by now, this year’s World Cup is due to get under way in the US, Canada and Mexico on June 11 (in Mexico City), with the final on July 19 (in New Jersey). England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L, while Scotland will be up against Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, and Wales still have a qualification play-off to negotiate.

But, before we get there, there are warm-up games to be played in the US, and the first batch have all been grouped under the catchy title of Road to ’26. They have attracted some high-profile teams, too, including Brazil and 2022 third-placed team Croatia (yes, them again!), as well as playing games in Landover, Maryland, and Foxborough, Massachusetts (home of the New England Patriots). Here’s what’s in store.

Brazil, Croatia and Colombia

Considering Orlando City were given a debut boost by Brazilian superstar Kaka back in 2015 when they joined Major League Soccer, it is only fitting the stadium where they played their first two seasons – Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando – will play host to the full Brazil national team in their warm-up game against Croatia on March 31, when teams start to finalise their full World Cup rosters.

The first of this unique pair of international sizzlers is five days earlier, though, on March 26, and features Croatia versus Colombia, providing another classic Europe-South America match-up. All three countries will be expecting to make their mark when the main tournament begins in the summer, and these two games mark a rare opportunity to see some high-calibre sporting action prior to the main event.

Tickets are available on the main Camping World Stadium website, on this link. The best place to park for the stadium is in the various parking lots dotted right around the venue, or you can park in one of the downtown multi-storey car parks and use the free shuttle to Camping World. Find all the details on this link.

Even More Footy

The other good news for those looking for an authentic sporting experience in Orlando is that our own domestic season is about to start, and that means new campaigns for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. The former begins with a home match on February 21 against the New York Red Bulls (kick-off 7.30pm) and then another home date with reigning champs Miami (March 1), while the latter begin their 2026 National Women’s Soccer League campaign on March 15 at home to Seattle and follow up with the visit of Denver on March 20.

Recent years have seen our two mainstream soccer teams establish a great reputation for providing memorable match-day experiences, over and above the high-quality action on the field of play. Pre-game tail-gating is a favourite of all fan groups, and visitors are welcome to join in these big pre-game events, which usually get under way three to four hours before kick-off. For Orlando City, there is also the official Main Street Tailgate, presented by Publix, which offers food, drink and games in the Tailgate Lot outside Gates B and C.

The season runs through until November for Orlando City (with play-offs – hopefully – in November and December), while the Pride keep playing until November 1, with their playoffs throughout the month. It all adds up to an authentic local experience that is guaranteed to be family-friendly and memorable. Just don’t forget to visit the gift shop!

The World Cup 2026

Of course, once we get to June and The Big Kick-Off, everyone will need to know how to get the best out of their World Cup experience in Orlando. The most important thing to know is that the TV broadcasts of all the games will be on Fox Sports and Fox Sports 1, both of which are paid-for channels but are very widely available. It’s highly unusual to find a villa TV package that doesn’t include Fox Sports, hence you don’t necessarily need to look for a sports bar to catch all the action.

Of course, for max fun you do really want to find a lively sports bar and enjoy the fan buzz that goes with it. By far the most popular will be the Best of British pub/restaurant in south Clermont on Highway 27 at the Four Corners end of Kissimmee’s Highway 192. As well as serving the best pub grub in Florida, their soccer parties are some of the best, and you can be sure the place will be rocking for all games involving England, Scotland and (hopefully) Wales.

Equally pub-like and footy-flavoured is the Harp & Celt in downtown Orlando. This Irish-themed hostelry also ensures big-screen showings of all the games, in addition to excellent food and drinks. And then there are the chain restaurant offerings, with the likes of Miller’s Ale House, Buffalo Wild Wings and Twin Peaks, which all offer a multi-screen experience and plenty of atmosphere.

So, there’s a lot of footy action to look forward to in Orlando this spring and summer. And you don’t need to miss a minute of it with our essential guide to all that’s in store!

Stay tuned for more World Cup insights and places to watch the games as we count down to World Cup 2026 in the next couple of months, including the all-important Fan Zones.