How will fans travel across North America for FIFA 2026? Thanks to a new partnership between American Airlines and FIFA, the answer is becoming clearer — and more exciting. American Airlines has officially been named the Official North American Airline Supplier for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a move that strengthens the tournament’s ties to the region and guarantees world-class travel support for fans and teams alike.
In a historic first, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be hosted across three countries — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — and will feature a record-breaking 48 teams and 16 Host Cities. With such a massive geographic spread, the role of a reliable airline network becomes vital. American Airlines, headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth (one of the Host Cities), is stepping up to deliver.
Seamless Travel Across a Record-Breaking Tournament
Currently operating more than 2,200 daily flights to FIFA Host Cities, American Airlines is uniquely positioned to connect fans to matches quickly and conveniently. Whether supporters are headed to a game in Toronto, Mexico City, Los Angeles, or Dallas, the airline’s vast network will play a key role in keeping the excitement moving across borders and time zones.
The partnership doesn’t stop at domestic travel. American Airlines is also joining forces with Qatar Airways, FIFA’s Global Airline Partner. Together, the two carriers — both members of the oneworld® alliance — will offer seamless international and domestic connections for fans, players, media, and officials traveling to the tournament. Qatar Airways retains exclusive international flight rights, while American leads the charge across North America.
Exclusive Perks for Loyal Fans
To celebrate its role as the home team airline, American Airlines has launched an exciting sweepstakes for its AAdvantage® loyalty members. Starting now, U.S. residents aged 18 and over can enter daily at aa.com/fwc26perks for a chance to win coveted FIFA World Cup 2026™ final match tickets. The opportunity is available only to AAdvantage® members — and signing up is quick and free via aa.com/aadvantage.
Later this year, AAdvantage® members and Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios users will also have the chance to redeem points for FIFA match tickets. This reward-focused approach underscores how the travel experience and the fan journey are now more interconnected than ever before.
Flying into FIFA History
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to break records not just on the pitch but in the air. With 104 matches and millions of fans projected to attend, it could become the most watched and traveled-to sporting event in history. Airlines are now a key part of that story, and American Airlines’ commitment to the tournament signals a new era of integrated sports and travel partnerships.
Caroline Clayton, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Communications for American Airlines, said, “We are proud to partner with FIFA and look forward to connecting fans to all FIFA World Cup 26™ matches. As the home team for this historic event, we look forward to flying fans across North America to experience the passion, energy and diversity of the beautiful game.”
The collaboration also supports FIFA’s larger goal: to raise the bar for access, fan experience, and global participation. By bringing on a major U.S. airline with deep regional connections, FIFA is ensuring fans don’t just reach their destinations — they arrive in comfort and style, energized for the world’s biggest football celebration.
With its centennial celebration around the corner, American Airlines is embracing this moment in global sports history as an opportunity to highlight its expansive network, its loyalty benefits, and its ability to serve fans in one of the most anticipated tournaments of the decade.
Whether you’re crossing borders or just a few state lines, the journey to FIFA World Cup 2026™ is now as exciting as the matches themselves.
