World Cup 2026: The Most and Least Friendly Host Cities

It’s now less than one month to go until the World Cup 2026 kicks off, and for residents of the host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the games are practically on their doorstep. But while some will welcome the atmosphere, others will be dreading the month-long influx of tourists.

Ahead of the event, Casino Guru USA conducted a survey of 2,500 Canadians and Americans who live in the host cities of this year’s tournament. Participants were asked about their thoughts on tourism in their city, such as if they feel it makes their city better or worse, and their experiences with tourists, including whether they have ever helped someone visiting their area.

The survey results were categorized by city and indexed to create final friendliness scores out of 100, showing how they truly feel about tourists and determining which ones are the most and least friendly overall.

Key findings:

• San Francisco ranks #1 as the friendliest World Cup host city for tourists, scoring 88/100
• Boston is revealed as the least-friendly city, with a low score of 27/100
• Overall, 1 in 2 residents (56%) in host cities believe tourists make their cities better, compared to just 11% who think they make them worse
• One in five (20%) host city residents voted England supporters the most unpleasant fan base, with U.S. supporters ranked second at 19%

The top 5 friendliest World Cup host cities

Whether it’s helping a tourist find their way or passing on a recommendation, several host cities will welcome soccer fans with open arms.

1) San Francisco

San Francisco, California tops the list as the friendliest World Cup host city for tourists, scoring 88/100. San Franciscans will undoubtedly be excited to welcome soccer fans from around the world, with almost three-quarters (73%) reporting that tourists make their city better.

2) Seattle

Taking the second spot is Seattle, Washington with a score of 85/100. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, drink, or perhaps a sight to see outside of games, you might just find a hidden gem with help from a local – more than three-quarters (83%) said that they have offered recommendations to tourists in the past.

3) Vancouver

Canada’s Vancouver places third overall, scoring 76/100. Vancouver has the highest proportion of residents who have helped tourists with directions at 89% - but if you find yourself lost in the city on game day, you might struggle to find help from a local, with 1 in 7 saying they would consider leaving the city during the World Cup.

4) Kansas City

In fourth is Kansas City, Missouri, with a score of 68/100. You don’t need to worry about locals gatekeeping their favorite spots if you need a recommendation, with 90% claiming they have never offered a recommendation that they wouldn’t go to themselves.

5) Toronto

As the remaining Canadian city on the list, Toronto places fifth, scoring 64/100. If you’re having a hard time making your way around Toronto, you’ll likely find a resident to show you the way, with almost three-quarters (74%) reporting that they have offered directions to tourists.

The top 5 least-friendly World Cup host cities

On the other hand, you’re less likely to find a friendly local in these host cities – don’t be surprised if you’re ignored when asking for help.

1) Boston

Boston, Massachusetts takes the title as the World Cup host city that loathes tourists the most, scoring just 27/100. Around 1 in 7 Bostonians admitted they have ignored tourists approaching them for help, the highest proportion of all host cities.

2) Atlanta

The second-least friendly host city is Atlanta, Georgia, scoring 40/100. One-quarter (25%) confessed to offering recommendations to tourists that they personally wouldn’t go to themselves, so if a local suggests a spot, take it with a grain of salt – it might just save you from ending up in a questionable bar or restaurant when you’re not at the stadium.

3) Los Angeles

Third place goes to Los Angeles, California, with a score of 41/100. Around 1 in 9 residents admitted that they have not given directions when approached by a lost tourist.

4) Dallas

Taking the fourth spot is Dallas, Texas, scoring 48/100. Even as the fourth least-friendly city, Dallas’s self-perceived friendliness score is a high 9 (with 10 being the best possible friendliness score).

5) New York City

New York City places fifth, with a score of 49/100. Around 1 in 8 New Yorkers believe that tourists make their city worse, so friendly faces aren’t likely, particularly for England supporters - nearly one-quarter (23%) of locals voted them as the most unpleasant soccer fans.

Conclusion

There’s a drastic difference in the level of enthusiasm for tourists between the top and bottom five cities. Boston, Los Angeles, and New York, which rank in the bottom five, are among the top ten U.S. cities with the most overseas visitors, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office, suggesting that the World Cup has come at a time when locals already feel that tourism in their area is oversaturated. Meanwhile, residents of cities with fewer visitors, like Seattle, have faced less disruption and are therefore more enthusiastic and welcoming to tourists.

Methodology

In May 2026, Casino Guru USA surveyed 2,500 residents across World Cup host cities in the U.S. and Canada about their attitudes toward tourists and the upcoming tournament. Responses were combined to create an overall friendliness score out of 100 for each city.

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