Inside All 23 Stadiums Hosting The 2030 FIFA World Cup

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the most geographically ambitious sporting event ever staged. Marking the 100th anniversary of the inaugural tournament, FIFA has officially ratified a groundbreaking bid that spans three continents, six host nations, and 23 distinct stadiums.

The tournament will kick off with three symbolic centenary matches in South America—honoring football's heritage in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay—before crossing the Atlantic Ocean for the main event hosted across Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

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Tournament Breakdown by Country

Region / Host Country	Cities	Stadium Count	Key Highlight
Uruguay 🇺🇾	Montevideo	1	Historic birthplace of the first World Cup in 1930
Argentina 🇦🇷	Buenos Aires	1	1930 finalists hosting a centenary match
Paraguay 🇵🇾	Asunción	1	Home to CONMEBOL headquarters
Morocco 🇲🇦	6 Cities	6	Home to the proposed 115,000-seat mega-stadium
Portugal 🇵🇹	2 Cities	3	Iconic European venues in Lisbon & Porto
Spain 🇪🇸	9 Cities	11	Host of the majority of matches and top final contenders

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1. The Centenary Trio (South America)

To celebrate the centenary of the first World Cup in 1930, three South American nations will each stage a single opening match before teams fly across the Atlantic.

🇺🇾 Uruguay (1 Stadium)

• Estadio Centenario (Montevideo) | Capacity: ~62,782 (post-renovation)
  The Vibe: Pure football history. Built specifically for the 1930 World Cup, this legendary arena hosted the very first final. It is undergoing structural updates to preserve its iconic tower while upgrading modern fan amenities.

🇦🇷 Argentina (1 Stadium)

• Estadio Monumental (Buenos Aires) | Capacity: ~100,000 (post-renovation)
  The Vibe: The colossal cauldron of River Plate and the 1978 World Cup final. Recent expansion works have pushed its capacity to six figures, making it one of the largest stadiums in the Americas.

🇵🇾 Paraguay (1 Stadium)

• Estadio Osvaldo Domínguez Dibb (Asunción) | Capacity: ~46,000 (new)
  The Vibe: A brand-new state-of-the-art facility being constructed in Luque/Asunción near CONMEBOL's official headquarters.

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2. The African Crown Jewels (Morocco)

Morocco becomes only the second African nation to host World Cup matches, putting forward six incredible venues—highlighted by an unprecedented mega-project.

• Grand Stade Hassan II (Casablanca) | Capacity: 115,000 (new build)
  Highlights: Designed by Populous and Oualalou + Choi, this flagship venue features a giant tented roof inspired by traditional Moroccan moussem gatherings. Upon completion, it will become the largest football stadium in the world and is a leading contender to host the 2030 World Cup Final.
• Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat) | Capacity: ~69,500 (new build)
  Highlights: Rebuilt from the ground up in the Moroccan capital as a modern football-specific arena.
• Ibn Batouta Stadium / Grand Stade de Tanger (Tangier) | Capacity: ~75,500 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: Located right on the Strait of Gibraltar, this seaside stadium has seen its upper tiers extended to boost capacity.
• Grand Stade de Marrakech (Marrakesh) | Capacity: ~45,860 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: Renowned for its distinctive square architecture framed by the Atlas Mountains.
• Adrar Stadium (Agadir) | Capacity: ~46,000 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: Embedded organically into the landscape, featuring major roof and concourse upgrades ahead of 2030.
• Fez Stadium (Fez) | Capacity: ~55,800 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: Bringing World Cup football to Morocco's historical cultural heartland.

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3. The Iberian Masters (Portugal)

Portugal brings three world-class UEFA Champions League-caliber venues into the fold.

• Estádio da Luz (Lisbon) | Capacity: 68,100
  Highlights: Home to Benfica, the "Cathedral of Light" hosted the Euro 2004 final and multiple Champions League finals.
• Estádio José Alvalade (Lisbon) | Capacity: 52,095
  Highlights: Sporting CP's modern, colorful home ground known for its intimate atmosphere.
• Estádio do Dragão (Porto) | Capacity: 50,033
  Highlights: FC Porto's striking stadium set along the Douro River, featuring a sleek, transparent canopy roof.

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4. The Main Stage (Spain)

Spain anchors the tournament with 11 host venues spanning the mainland and the Canary Islands.

Madrid

• Santiago Bernabéu | Capacity: 83,186
  Highlights: Real Madrid's recently renovated masterpiece features a retractable pitch and 360-degree video board. It is heavily tipped as a prime venue for the World Cup Final.
• Estadio Metropolitano | Capacity: 70,692
  Highlights: Atlético Madrid's state-of-the-art arena, opened in 2017, boasting elite hospitality and sightlines.

Barcelona

• Spotify Camp Nou | Capacity: 105,000 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: FC Barcelona's home is undergoing a historic €1.5 billion transformation. When completed, it will be the largest stadium in Europe.
• RCDE Stadium (Cornellà-El Prat) | Capacity: 40,500
  Highlights: Espanyol's eco-friendly, award-winning venue renowned for modern architectural efficiency.

Seville & Basque Country

• Estadio de La Cartuja (Seville) | Capacity: ~70,000 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: Undergoing a transformation that removes its running track to bring fans closer to the pitch.
• San Mamés (Bilbao) | Capacity: 53,331
  Highlights: Athletic Club's iconic "Cathedral" in Basque country, widely acclaimed for its noise and atmosphere.
• Estadio de Anoeta / Reale Arena (San Sebastián) | Capacity: 42,300
  Highlights: Real Sociedad's sleekly modernized ground, featuring a close-to-pitch layout and illuminated facade.

Regional Gems & Island Venues

• Nou Mestalla (Valencia) | Capacity: ~70,044 (new completion)
  Highlights: Valencia's long-awaited stadium build is being completed to provide a futuristic coastal hub.
• Estadio Nueva Romareda (Zaragoza) | Capacity: ~43,110 (new build)
  Highlights: A complete reconstruction replacing Real Zaragoza's historic home.
• Estadio de Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) | Capacity: ~44,500 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: Located in the Canary Islands off the coast of Northwestern Africa, bringing World Cup matches to Spain's tropical archipelago.
• Estadio de Balaídos (Vigo) | Capacity: ~44,000 (post-renovation)
  Highlights: Celta Vigo's home is receiving stand upgrades to meet FIFA's seating standard.

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The Architectural Trend: Over half of the 23 stadiums are either completely new builds or undergoing major multi-million euro overhauls. Key design trends across the venues include retractable roofs, integrated LED exterior displays, and multi-purpose adaptability for events beyond football.

Travelore Tips For Those Attending FIFA Matches In Philadelphia

The eyes of the footballing world are turning to the City of Brotherly Love! With Philadelphia hosting six massive matches at Lincoln Financial Field (rebranded as Philadelphia Stadium for the tournament)—including five thrilling group stage battles and a historic Round of 16 clash on the 4th of July—the city is ready to put on a masterclass in hospitality.

Whether you are flying in to see Brazil, France, Croatia, or Côte d'Ivoire, navigating a major global tournament requires a bit of local insider knowledge. Here is your ultimate Travelore Report guide to surviving and thriving during the games in Philly.

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Getting to the Stadium: Ditch the Car, Trust the "B"

If you take only one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this: Do not attempt to drive and park at the stadium on match days. 11th Street will be entirely closed from Pattison to Terminal Avenue, and local traffic will be an absolute bottleneck.

Instead, do what the locals do and take public transit. Philadelphia’s transit authority, SEPTA, is rolling out a massive transit plan:

• The Broad Street Line (The B): This is your golden ticket. It runs directly down Broad Street and drops you off at NRG Station, just steps from the stadium gates. SEPTA is adding 10 "Sports Express" trains before every single match.
• Easy Payment: You don't need a special transit card. You can simply use contactless tap-to-pay with your credit card, debit card, or smartphone wallet at the turnstiles. A single ride is $2.90.
• Late-Night Service: Don't worry about getting stranded after a late match. SEPTA is running overnight trains every 30 minutes on match days, departing City Hall on the hour and half-hour.
• Arriving via Amtrak or Regional Rail? If you arrive at William H. Gray III 30th St Station, just hop on the Market-Frankford Line (The L) to 15th St/City Hall, and transfer for free directly to the Broad Street Line southbound.

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Stadium Regulations: Bags & Bottles

FIFA’s security rules are incredibly strict compared to normal stadium events. Save yourself the heartbreak of losing your gear at the security gates by knowing the rules before you head out:

• The Clear Bag Policy: You are only allowed to bring in clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Small, non-clear clutch purses or wallets are permitted only if they are roughly the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5").
• Hydration Rules: Summer in Philadelphia can get incredibly hot and humid. You are permitted to bring one factory-sealed, soft plastic disposable water bottle (up to 20 oz / 590ml). Hard-sided, reusable flasks or metal bottles are strictly prohibited.

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Beyond the Pitch: The 39-Day Fan Festival

Even if you don't have tickets to every match, you can still soak up the electric tournament atmosphere. Head over to Fairmount Park, where the official FIFA Fan Festival is taking over Lemon Hill.

Spanning a massive one million square feet, admission is entirely free. You can watch matches on giant screens, enjoy local eats, and participate in interactive fan experiences.

Fan Fest Transit Tip: Do not try to rideshare directly into the park, as major roads like Poplar Drive will be closed. SEPTA’s Bus Route 32 and Route 48 are ramping up frequent summer service to drop fans off right at Pennsylvania & Fairmount Ave, a short walk from the festival grounds. Alternatively, look out for the city's official shuttle service running directly between City Hall and Lemon Hill.

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Where to Watch & Play

If you want to rub shoulders with fellow football purists, Philly has a vibrant soccer pub scene. Spots like Misconduct Tavern, The 700 in Northern Liberties, and the rowdy, authentic Black Sheep Pub (a legendary hub for fans) will be buzzing with energy throughout June and July.

Want to kick a ball around yourself? Head down to Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park, located right near the sports complex, where you'll find plenty of open green spaces and impromptu international pickup games happening all summer long.

Enjoy the matches, stay hydrated, and welcome to Philadelphia!

American Airlines Adds Flights And Exclusive Access To Tickets For All FIFA World Cup 26 Matches

American Airlines is giving customers the perfect assist ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™. The airline is making it easier than ever to get to every match with additional flight options, more opportunities to redeem AAdvantage® miles for tickets and exclusive Perks that AAdvantage® members can only get through American. In addition, to celebrate the airline’s sponsorship as the Official North American Airline Supplier of FIFA World Cup 26™, American will roll out aircraft decal installations on its domestic fleet and launch a creative marketing campaign leading up to the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5.

From takeoff to kickoff, getting fans to every match

As soon as soccer fans know where and when their favorite teams will take the pitch, American will have additional flights ready for sale to get them to every match. The airline is adding frequencies and flying larger planes between the 16 host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it easy for fans to follow their teams from the group stage to the final match.

“American is ready with its game plan for the FIFA World Cup 26™, adding an extra 27,000 seats on 12 routes this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning. “With more flights to all host cities, we’re making sure fans don’t miss the chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime moment across North America. “

Along with more flights between Los Angeles and Seattle or Boston and Dallas-Fort Worth, American is introducing nonstop service between Atlanta and Kansas City during the quarterfinal round.

Market Dates Additional flying

Boston (BOS)-Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) June 18-July 11 More flights and upgauged aircraft

Atlanta (ATL)-Miami (MIA) June 16-July 17 More flights and upgauged aircraft

Philadelphia (PHL)-Toronto (YYZ) June 15-June 30 Upgauged aircraft

Kansas City (MCI)-PHL June 15-June 22 Upgauged aircraft

Los Angeles (LAX)-Seattle (SEA) June 13-July 8 Upgauged aircraft

ATL-New York LaGuardia (LGA) July 16-July 17 More flights and upgauged aircraft

LAX-Vancouver (YVR) June 16-June 26 More flights

DFW-San Jose, California (SJC) June 17-June 27 More flights

ATL-PHL June 20-June 21 More flights and upgauged aircraft

LGA-MCI June 21-June 22 New nonstop flights

MIA-YYZ June 28-June 29 Upgauged aircraft

ATL-MCI July 8-July 13 New nonstop flights

Flights are available to purchase now at aa.com/en-us/fwc26 or through American’s mobile app.

As millions of fans prepare for the world’s biggest sporting event, American is giving AAdvantage® members another unique way to join in on the action by redeeming AAdvantage® miles for FIFA World Cup 26™ match tickets. AAdvantage® members will have early access to redeem miles for all match tickets through American based on their status level.

Here’s the game plan

Dec. 17 — AAdvantage Executive Platinum® status and ConciergeKey® members

Dec. 18 — AAdvantage Gold® status, AAdvantage Platinum® status and AAdvantage Platinum Pro® status members

Dec. 19 — All AAdvantage® members

Members can earn miles and Loyalty Points by flying or engaging with the airline’s partners, getting them closer to status for exclusive access to FIFA World Cup 26™ match tickets. AAdvantage® members can also save up to 40% when buying AAdvantage® miles.

American goes the extra mile in rewarding sports enthusiasts with exciting opportunities to experience their favorite teams. To reward their love of travel and sports, American is giving AAdvantage® members daily opportunities to enter sweepstakes throughout the year for a chance to win exciting prizes that get fans closer to the action.

Beginning Dec. 6, fans may visit fwc26perks.com for a chance to win any one of the following AAdvantage® Perks — available only to members of American’s AAdvantage® loyalty program, which offers countless ways for customers to earn and redeem miles:

Opening match tickets to FIFA World Cup 26™ (currently available on Perks)

Group stage match of choice

Watch a U.S. Men’s National Team group stage match

Watch a FIFA World Cup 26™ match with a FIFA Legend

As the Official North American Airline Supplier of FIFA World Cup 26™, American is taking its sponsorship to new heights. Starting this month, every aircraft in the American Airlines fleet — totaling more than 1,550 aircraft — will proudly display a custom FIFA World Cup 26™ decal, in partnership with Qatar Airways, honoring the airlines' commitment to connecting fans, teams and the world’s most celebrated sporting event. The decals will be applied across the domestic fleet by the end of December, allowing travelers to share in the excitement as American counts down to kickoff.

This month, fans will begin seeing American’s new creative content celebrating the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™ across national television, digital and social platforms. Along with a “Now Boarding: Super Fans” digital-only campaign, American will launch a 30-second broadcast spot, “Fandom Takes Flight.”

Dubai To Cash In On A World Cup A Short Flight Away

The FIFA World Cup may be bringing as many as 1.2 million fans to Qatar, but the nearby flashy emirate of Dubai is also looking to cash in on the major sports tournament taking place just a short flight away. Some soccer fan clubs have already said they’ll be commuting to Qatar during the cup on 45-minute flights from Dubai, the skyscraper-studded, beachfront city-state in the United Arab Emirates. Other fans plan to sleep on cruise ships or camp out in the desert amid a feverish rush for rooms in Doha. Dubai’s airlines, bars, restaurants, shopping malls and other attractions now hope to benefit, further boosting their rebounding tourism industry in the crucial fall and winter months after the blows delivered by the coronavirus pandemic. “If you can’t stay in Qatar, Dubai is the place you’d most like to go as a foreign tourist,” said James Swanston, a Middle East and North Africa expert at Capital Economics. “It’s somewhere safe, somewhere more liberal in terms of Western norms. It’s the most attractive destination.”

Now home to the world’s tallest building, cavernous malls — including one with an indoor ski slope — and thriving nightclub scene, Dubai has seen explosive growth fueled by its boom-and-bust real estate market that’s transformed the one-time pearling village over the last 20 years.

Its long-haul carrier Emirates helped make Dubai International Airport the busiest in the world for foreign travel and provides a steady stream of new visitors who stay for layovers or longer. And while still an autocratic sheikhdom like its other Gulf Arab neighbors, Dubai has a relatively more-liberal view on drinking and nightlife.

In the lead-up to the tournament, concerns about hotel room space and high prices for the rooms available have trailed Qatar, which lacks hotel capacity for all teams, workers, volunteers and fans at the World Cup. So Doha has created camping and cabin sites, hiring cruise ships, and encouraging fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly in for games.

Qatar has estimated it will have 45,000 hotel rooms for the tournament.

Surrounding nations, like Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, also suggest they could see a spike in visitors — even though Bahrain is the only among them that allows alcohol. Even Iran, months ago, suggested developing plans for World Cup tourists to stay on its Kish Island. Apparently, nothing came of the idea and now the Islamic Republic is gripped by nationwide protests.

Meanwhile, Dubai has over 140,000 hotel rooms, putting it easily into the top 10 destinations worldwide as far as available hotel rooms go, said Philip Wooller, a senior director at STR, a company that monitors the hotel industry. Dubai also offers price ranges greater than what Qatar can at the moment, given the demand, he said.

“I think Dubai is an incredibly eclectic city,” Wooller said. “You can buy a room for $100 or you can buy a room for $5,000.”

Still, he added, he expects “Qatar will be able to accommodate most of the fans coming to the World Cup (but) there will be a knock-on in Dubai.”

Dubai appears fully poised to take advantage of the tournament.

Its low-cost carrier, FlyDubai, plans as many as 30 round-trip flights a day during the World Cup, shuttling fans between Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, or DWC, in the city-state’s southern reaches, to Doha International Airport, Qatar’s old main airport.

Other airlines that may use Al Maktoum airport include KLM, Qatar Airways and Wizz Air, while private jets will fly from there as well to the tournament, said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. That could help boost the profile of an airfield that Dubai hopes will expand in the future as Dubai International Airport nears its capacity.

“It’s a great experience for us to see DWC suddenly so busy for the World Cup,” he said. “It will give exposure to the convenience of the airport for so many people that (airlines may) actually favor operating from there.”

The expected economic boost from the World Cup for Dubai comes after its turnaround since suffering through the pandemic. It spent billions for its delayed Expo 2020 world’s fair — which largely attracted visitors already in the UAE.

Dubai, like much of the world, had a lockdown early in 2020. However, by July that year, it announced it was reopening for tourists. Though Dubai faced a surge of international criticism when cases spread from the emirate months later, around New Year, Dubai and the rest of the UAE widely rolled out vaccines.

The UAE dropped its mandatory mask policy about a month ago.

“Dubai is on a lot of people’s radars as one of the most phenomenal places to come and visit,” said Dennis McGettigan, the CEO of an eponymous empire of Irish bars in Dubai and elsewhere. “And I think the World Cup has added a layer” of desire to visit.

McGettigan said his bar business is already up as much as 40% on its sales, compared to 2019, something he linked to pent-up demand for socializing after the worst days of the virus. He said he’s overstaffed his locations and expects strong business through the tournament.

But McGettigan and others acknowledged headwinds Dubai faces in attracting World Cup tourists — the strong U.S. dollar. The Emirati dirham has long been pegged to the dollar, making a Dubai trip now more expensive for those using British pounds, euros and other currencies.

Other financial dangers also lurk for tourist-reliant Dubai, built on the promise of globalization.

“We still need to be cautious of global economic pressures, including rising interest rates, high oil and commodity prices, supply chain issues that are creating inflationary pressures which could impact Dubai’s economic recovery,” said Sapna Jagtiani of S&P Global Ratings.

McGettigan doesn’t expects that to be too much of a damper. His firm also will be organizing a massive fan zone venue in the grassy expanses of Dubai Media City, complete with musical performances, massive televisions and even a winter-themed area in Dubai’s desert environs.

“I, for one, am absolutely delighted to see everything back on full steam ahead and actually a little bit more,” he said.

By JON GAMBRELL

World Cup Facts Even Die Hard Fans Didn't Know

If you’re one of the lucky fans packed and ready to jump on a plane to Brazil, sod off. We wish we were going too! So, how can you make watching it in the pub exciting? Challenge your friends to a World Cup quiz – then put your winnings toward a ticket to the 2018 Games in Russia.

This quiz won’t require you to don a skimpy swimsuit like your friends posing on Copacabana beach, nor will you need a Portuguese language handbook or a printout of the lyrics to ‘Girl from Ipanema’.

Here are a few not-so-well-known facts about the World Cup so you’ll be sure to win, but before we get into it, did you know that Twitter has turned on “hashflags” – images of flags for countries playing in the tournament, which show up when you tweet their country codes. Not to be outdone, Facebook launched its own World Cup hub - just so you can stay social during the Games.

Put your money on Brazil

After thorough statistical analysis and lots of conversations with friends down the pub, we've come to the world-shattering conclusion that Brazil have got a very good chance of winning the 2014 World Cup. And here’s why. They've already won it five times. The host country have won the cup on six occasions, and although Spain and the Netherlands have been looking pretty tasty in recent months, only Brazil and Argentina have ever won a World Cup away from their own continent.

How many?

The biggest ever attendance for a World Cup match is 200,000 people. They all squeezed into the Maracana Stadium for a match between Brazil and Uruguay during the 1950 World Cup. It’d never happen these days … health and safety gone mad and all that.

One-nil already? I was just getting a pint!

The fastest goal ever scored at a World Cup was knocked in by Turkish superstar (and one time Blackburn Rover), Hakan Sukur against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup. It took him just 11 seconds.

Can I see your bus pass Mr Milla?

Despite the rather nifty dancing and some rather good goals, Roger Milla is the oldest player to ever take part in a World Cup. When he last laced up his boots at the finals, he was just over 42 years old.

Norman, get in here and have ya tea!

Norman Whiteside is the youngest player to ever take the field at a World Cup. He was just 17 years, one month and 10 days when he played for Northern Ireland against Yugoslavia at the ’82 World Cup in Spain. That fact is pretty well known. What isn’t so well know is that when he got back home, his mam grounded him for a week for not calling her to let him know he’d arrived safely in Madrid.

Come on Lothar, let the other boys have a go

German legend Lothar Matthaeus played 25 games across five World Cup tournaments. Only he and Antonio Carbajal (the legendary Mexican goalkeeper) have played at five World Cups. Lothar’s haul of 25 games is unmatched by anyone else, the closest being the evergreen Paolo Maldini who notched up 23.

You certainly know where the goal is Monsieur Fontaine

Every wannabe Alan Hansen knows that Ronaldo (the Brazilian one, not the Portuguese one) has scored more World Cup goals than anyone else (15). However, only the very finest football minds know that the record for most goals at a single tournament goes to the remarkably prolific Just Fontaine at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. He knocked in 13 goals in just six matches, including a hattrick against Paraguay and four against West Germany.

Mrs Zidane, we need to speak about Zinedine

Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as the finest player of his generation and the catalyst for France’s short-lived stint as the greatest team in world football. It also turns out he’s the dirtiest player to ever lace up a pair of boots at a World Cup – either that or he just wasn’t very subtle. He played in three tournaments and picked up four yellows and two red cars, including that distinctly un-subtle chest-butt on Marco Materazzi.

BONUS FACT: Did you know 65% of World Cup players are based outside their home countries? And there are four countries that have only one native player on their home team.

Contributed by Daisy Melwani 

Follow us on Tritter @TraveloreReport

New Rosetta Stone App Helps World Cup-Bound Travelers

Rosetta Stone unveiled a special Portuguese Futebol Edition on Wednesday, targeting lucky Americans heading to Brazil for the Fifa World Cup this month.

The free app, which uses an immersion-based system like all Rosetta Stone products, teaches key soccer vocab (beyond "Gol!"), as well as useful phrases relating to public transportation, restaurants, and attractions in the Games' twelve host cities.

With the Cup just one week away, Brazil-bound travelers better learn quick, or should I say rápido?

The app is available for Android and iOS.

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Travelore Tips: World Cup 2014: Staying Safe While Traveling In Brazil

MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

View of the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, on June 1, 2014, which will host the opening match of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Croatia on June 12.

As the World Cup's June 12 opening day approaches, frustration over the country’sunfinished stadiums and the rising tab for hosting the games has spilled over into street protests. If you're heading to Brazil for the games, here's what you need to know to deal with the crowds and any possible chaos.

Bruce McIndoe, CEO of Maryland-based firm iJet, which consults on security and risk management for the travel industry, will have a team on the ground during the games to assist clients with travel emergencies. In a recent chat with CN Traveler, McIndoe shared some advice for those flying down to Rio or Sao Paulo during the matches:

Make sure your documents are in order
U.S. visitors to Brazil need a visa, and under normal circumstances, you’d want to allow three weeks for processing. Now that the games are only two weeks away, you’ll likely have to fork over a hefty fee for expedited processing. Check in with your local Brazilian consulate for more information.

Keep your antennae up
"Petty theft will be rampant in this environment," McIndoe says. Pickpocketing is likely to be rife, he adds, "because for [thieves], it’s a great opportunity to make a buck…and you’re going to see more fleecing of tourists, jacking up of prices, and theft." He hastened to add he doesn't see violent crime being a big problem, but "the chances of someone going there and being a victim of petty crime is very high." Travelers should protect themselves by taking these precautions:

• Minimize what you carry on your person

• Don’t wear flashy jewelry, or, indeed, any jewelry

• Avoid carrying a lot of money, and use a money belt

• Use ATMs only at secure, indoor locations, such as your hotel or the airport

• Be careful about getting into taxis that weren’t arranged for you by a hotel or a restaurant; refrain from hailing cabs on the street.

"If someone backs you in a corner and says, 'Give me your money,' don’t hesitate" to hand it over, McIndoe says.

Avoid street crowds
Protests will likely continue during the games, and if you see large groups of people gathering, "Don’t gawk—just move away," says McIndoe. "You don’t need to be in the middle of this." While Brazil’s government has insisted it’s prepared and will have extra police and security on the job, crowds have already clashed with authorities in recent weeks.

Stay healthy
"Be careful of what I call the 'the micro terrorists,' such as bacteria and other invisible threats," says McIndoe. If you want to grab a snack off the street, make sure it’s peeled or cooked, and stay away from anything else. And review your medical coverage before leaving home; Consider purchasing extra coverage under a travel insurance policy. Get an international access number; an 800 number won’t work in Brazil. If all else fails, work with your hotel to get help; any reputable lodging should have access to a house physician. And make sure any medications you bring with you are properly labeled in case your bag is inspected upon arrival.

Getting around
If you have tickets to a match, allow lots of time to get to the venue. Expect congestion on the road as well as on public transportation. Airports in major cities are still undergoing a lot of construction, along with many of the stadiums. But still, McIndoe says, "If you are going to be moving around the country, we definitely recommend you fly on domestic airlines rather than trying to get there by road," he says. Among other things, motorists face additional threats, such as bands of robbers posing as police.

Contributed by Barbara Peterson, www.cntraveler.com

Follow us on Twitter:@TraveloreReport

20 Things You Need To Know About Brazil

With FIFA 2014 passed, and the Rio Summer Olympics taking place in 2016, Brazil has been all the buzz around the internet and in conversation. But how much do you really know about the country?

Did you know that in the city of Laguna, fishermen use dolphins as their assistants to help catch fish? After they cast their nets into the murky water, they wait for dolphins to show them where the fish are. If no dolphins show up that morning, the locals will pack up and leave. Here are 20 more things you may not know about Brazil:

(Photo Courtesy of FIFA World Cup Brazil)

The national football (soccer) team of Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup a record five times.

Every Brazilian city has at least one soccer stadium.

The best coffee in the world is said to come from Brazil.

Caipirinhas are the national drink of Brazilians.

(Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock)

Brazil is the only country in South America that speaks Portuguese (not Spanish or Brazilian).

Brazil contains almost 60 percent of the Amazon rain forest.

There are more species of monkeys in Brazil than anywhere else in the world.

The Christ Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

(Photo Courtesy of Stanislaw Tokarski/Shutterstock)

Brazil covers three time zones.

Brazil shares a border with all South American countries except for Chile and Ecuador.

Brazil has 13 cities with over one million residents.

Brazil is 100 percent energy independent.

(Photo Courtesy of Celso Pupo/Shutterstock)

Brazil has the most famous and celebrated carnival festival in the world.

Brazil has the world's largest beach at 24,606 feet long.

It is the longest country in the world from north to south via land, spanning approximately 2,800 miles.

By 2032, Brazil's economy will overtake Germany's in size.

(Photo Courtesy of Adriana Lima)

Brazilian models are generally considered to be some of the most gorgeous women in the world.

The Brazilian bikini wax was invented in New York in 1987 by seven Brazilian-born sisters.

Brazil has the ninth highest number of billionaires in the world.

The prisoners of Brazil's Arisvaldo de Campos Pires maximum security penitentiary wait out their sentences by knitting, thanks to a partnership with Brazilian fashion designer Raquel Guimaraes.

Contributed by Nicolle Monico
[Top Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock]

Travelore Tips: The Top 10 Places To Go This Summer

When school's out, work slows down, and the weather warms up in many parts of the world, it's officially time to take a summer vacation. If you're the busy type, a host of exciting happenings around the globe will keep "lazy days" to a minimum, whether you're cheering on your favorite soccer team, reveling at various festivals, or taking advantage of outdoor adventures. But if you're looking for creature comforts, there are plenty of new hotel openings to allow for the utmost in relaxation, too. Either way, here are our picks for the hottest spots to hit for summer 2014. --Kathleen Squires

Brazil
Football fans will be flocking south, as the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks of June 12 and continues through July 13. The 20th tournament happens to be held in the country that has won the most titles in history. The Brazilian national football team has taken the Cup home five times and its home country will be hosting matches in 12 different cities. Between matches in São Paulo, check out the art of coffee cultivation at historic Nossa Senhora da Conceição Farm. Dining at Alex Atala's world-famous restaurant D.O.M is also a must. If in Bahia, enjoy exploring the colonial African/European city center of Salvador, and make time to relax on one the lovely coastal beaches, such as Trancoso. If you prefer to be a bit more off-the-beaten path, Manaus, deep in the jungle, reveals the history of the "rubber barons" in places such as the elaborate, 1896 Teatro Amazonas. Bookend the trip with a river cruise aboard the Amazon Clipper. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Brazil Guide

Aspen, CO
The Aspen Ideas Festival (June 24-July 3), an open exchange among the best and brightest journalists, politicians, artists, entrepreneurs, musicians and many more leaders, celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer with various programs, seminars, and tutorials. The end of June also sees the kick-off of the Aspen Music Festival (June 26-August 17). In its 35th year, this season celebrates "The New Romantics" with performances such as Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin to Philip Glass's The American Four Seasons. Later in the summer, the city's new Cooking School of Aspen will open, while Chefs Club by Food & Wine will feature the cuisine of Best New Chefs Matthew Gaudet of Boston's West Bridge and Chris Shepherd of Underbelly in Houston. The brand-new, environmentally-sustainable Aspen Art Museum, designed by Shigeru Ban, unveils 12,500 square feet of gallery space on August 1st. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Aspen Guide

Cavtat, Croatia
Let the crowds battle for hotel rooms in Dubrovnik during the 65th Annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which includes music, Shakespearean performances, dance, and much more (July 10-August 25). The quiet coastal town of Cavtat, just 10 miles away, offers easy access to the Dalmatian hub along with an under-the-radar art scene, waterfront restaurants, beaches, and boating activities. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Croatia Guide

Istanbul
The opening of the Zorlu Center brings a fresh new face to the banks of the Bosphorus. The complex includes a performance arts venue, an upscale shopping center, and a brand-new Raffles Hotel, opening at the tail end of summer. The opening concert (and a host of others) at the annual Istanbul Music Festival (May 31-June 27) will take place at the Zorlu, while the harmony continues into the summer, with the Istanbul Jazz Festival following quickly on its heels starting July 1.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Istanbul Guide

Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador 
Summer 2014 marks the maiden journey of the revamped Tren Crucero, which crosses the Andes from Quito to Guayaquil along the scenic Avenue of Volcanoes. And there's plenty to do in each city before boarding the restored 100 year-old locomotive, as the season includes many holidays. In Guayaquil, June 29 marks the San Pedro and San Pablo fishermen's festival, all along the coast, kicking off with bonfire and continuing with food, music, and celebrations. The birthday of national hero Simon Bolivar is celebrated all over the country on July 24 with military parades, music, and dancing in the streets. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Ecuador Guide

Melaka, Malaysia
A busy summer for "the historic state" in the southern Malay Peninsula begins with the Melaka River Invitational Festival, a celebration of water sports that includes a Float Parade and the Melaka Parade Competition. On July 7, history is the focus when the city celebrates its anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a food and culture festival, right in the center of the city. Melaka also celebrates its Portuguese heritage during the San Pedro festival, June 23-29. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Malaysia Guide

Nashville
Yes, it's known for its music scene, but this summer, Nashville is poised to become a hot food destination, too, as celebrity chefs are swooping in. Charleston chef Sean Brock started the trend last year with his Husk Nashville, and now Chopped judge Maneet Chauhan is on the verge of opening Chauhan Ale & Masala House in July. Legendary chef Jonathan Waxman of NYC's Barbuto will expand with Adele's by Jonathan Waxman in early summer. What's spurring this influx? The opening of the new, half-billion-dollar Music City Center last year, for one, as well as the resurgence of neighborhoods such as East Nashville and Hillsboro Village. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Nashville Guide

Vienna
Vienna has been voted the world's most livable city for five years in a row by the independent consulting firm Mercer, and "The Imperial City" is just as easy to visit. The Sisi Museum within the Imperial Palace celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special look at the divine clothing of Empress Elizabeth, through the remainder of the year. Celebrations continue with the Vienna Jazz Festival in various venues all over the city, with headliners such as Sinead O'Connor, Dr. John, and Al Jarreau. Beginning June 28 and running through the end of Agust. The open-air Vienna Film Festival Rathausplatz, that doubles as a food festival is expected to draw a crowd of 700,000.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Vienna Guide

Glasgow
This year, Glasgow hosts The Commonwealth Games, the third largest multi-sport event in the world, which includes competitors from the entire Commonwealth of Nations from July 23- August 3. The games have spurred the redevelopment of the Pacific Quay and Clyde Waterfront near the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center, with a brand new arena, park expansions, and new river boat cruises that shuttle visitors to the Glasgow Science Centre and the Riverside Museum, named the 2013 European Museum of the Year. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Glasgow Guide

Alberta, Canada
There's no special equipment needed in order to walk the just-opened Glacier Skywalk smack in the middle of the Canadian Rockies. The walkway leads to a glass cliff-edge promenade with stunning views of the alpine terrain. The nearby Glacier Discovery Centre shows off its new renovation and is the starting point for the Glacier Adventure, which leads visitors right onto the Athabasca Glacier. Access via the Icefields Parkway is considered one of the more scenic drives in the world. 
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Alberta Guide

Travelore Tips: Where To Stay In Rio de Janeiro For The 2014 World Cup

It’s famous the world over for its spectacular beaches, stunning natural landscape, colorful street parties, and unrivalled passion for soccer, also known there as O Jogo Bonito ("The Beautiful Game"). But Rio de Janeiro’s huge appeal to soccer fans means that hotel accommodation is in short supply during the June–July FIFA World Cup. And where it is available, it comes at a staggering price.

World Cup fever means that finding affordable rooms poses a serious challenge for visitors to each of the 12 Brazilian host cities; in Rio, that challenge is magnified by the fact that, as the country’s tourist favorite, most international World Cup fans will visit even if their team isn’t playing in the city.

SOARING PRICES FOR WORLD CUP ACCOMMODATION

Hotel rooms in Rio are already among the most expensive in the world, and are now rising into the stratosphere for World Cup stays. For the duration of the tournament, which runs from June 12 through July 13, visitors can expect to pay around $450 per night for a no-frills double room in the vicinity of the famous beaches. Rooms with beach views are considerably more.

The city’s few true luxury hotels are already fully booked, despite charging upwards of $2000 per night. With a serious shortfall of hotel rooms to accommodate the expected 300,000 World Cup visitors to the city, many soccer fans are frantically searching for less exorbitant alternatives to hotels.

AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW OF RIO

Cariocas, as natives of Rio are known, are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, and many are now offering rooms or entire homes for rent during the World Cup. Rental sites such as Airbnb have been a major success story in Rio, allowing savvy travelers to search by price bracket, location, and accommodation type according to their needs. (Options range from sofa-beds in locals’ downtown apartments, starting at around $50, to entire luxury Ipanema penthouses with pools, starting at around $1500.)  Potential guests can vet hosts and read comments from any previous guests, making Airbnb a relatively safe option for visiting soccer fans.

Insider Tip: Holiday apartments are another economical choice for longer stays. At the Fodor’s-recommended AlexRioFlats, week-long World Cup Packages at smart beachfront studios and apartments in Copacabana start at $4000 for up to 4 people.

POUSADAS: BRAZIL’S MOST ENTICING LODGING OPTION

For those who like their home comforts, Brazil’s pousadas—independently-run guest houses—are an enticing alternative to often charmless hotel rooms. A common complaint among Western visitors to Rio is that high prices are only rarely matched by high quality in the city’s hotels, but for those prepared to sacrifice a central location in return for lush tropical gardens, personalized service, and lots of charm, the country’s pousadas offer excellent standards. (Options range from simple guest houses to "boutique pousadas" and eco-lodges, and prices vary accordingly. As a rule of thumb, however, they offer vastly more bang for your buck than standard hotel rooms.

Insider Tip: Alison McGowan, a Rio-based Brit, runs the Brazil-wide website HiddenPousadas.com, which cherry-picks the best pousadas the country has to offer, in every price bracket.

McGowan recommends booking a pousada in a scenic location outside the host cities, where the World Cup spirit will not be lacking but the streets will not be swamped by tourist hordes. There are some truly lovely locations just a couple of hours from Rio, and indeed, all the World Cup host cities, from Manaus in the Amazon to Porto Alegre in the far South of Brazil. For those lucky enough to have scored tickets to a game, private transport on match day can usually be arranged. Close to Rio, McGowan recommends Vila do Mar, in the stylish beach resort of Buzios, or Pousada do Ouro, in the perfectly preserved historic town of Paraty.

FAVELAS: FIND A PLACE TO STAY IN RIO'S SLUMS

For those prepared to venture a little farther off the beaten tourist track, truly unique accommodations can be found within the city’s once-infamous favelas, or slums. Formerly the bloodied terrain of heavily-armed drug factions, the majority of these urban developments have now been pacified by Rio’s military police. With power wrested from the violent gangs, the favelas are opening their doors to tourism, and home owners are offering rooms to rent during the soccer tournament. 

Elliot Rosenburg runs the favela rental agency Favela Experience, working with locals to offer beds, rooms, and entire homes to rent. He has already received many World Cup bookings and says, “As our prices are 50 percent below even youth hostels, our guests will save money while participating in a vibrant and welcoming side of Brazil.” As Rosenburg points out, a stay in a Rio de Janeiro favela offers an experience in the city that is simply not open to those immersing themselves in the beach zones.

Insider Tip: Favelas in Rio’s Zona Sul—the beautiful South Zone of the city, which encompasses the beaches of Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon as well as leafy, upper-class suburbs such as Jardim Botanico and Lagoa—cling to the mountainsides, offering sweeping vistas that are unsurpassed by any hotel in the city.

For more info on the World Cup, visit our World Cup Fever guide.

Contributed by Lucy Bryson