Heading to the World Cup? Don’t miss these iconic eats in every city

Soccer fans will descend upon North America this summer for the 2026 World Cup, with host venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico. And while it’s exciting to watch your country on the pitch, it’s even better to explore the thousands of options available for eating. Each city offers a chance to try its best foods at every price point, catering to those who want cheap eats, a gourmet culinary experience, or both. Texas travelers can chow down on some of America’s best barbecue, Tex-Mex food, fusion cuisines and much more. In the Pacific Northwest, you can cut into some of the premier seafood the coast can offer. And if you happen to be lucky enough to take in games south of the border — a place where they’re fanatical about both food and fútbol — you’ll get to experience a wealth of traditional Mexican specialties.Here are the best foods in each city to get a true local’s experience. These picks are based on online deep-dives, trusted sources and personal recommendations from food experts familiar with every World Cup city.CanadaTorontoKnown for: Peameal bacon sandwichToronto has emerged as one of the most diverse eating destinations in North America. Its large Jamaican, Tibetan and Greek populations have created an explosion of traditional and fusion cuisine, and it has also become well-known for its Japanese markets and sushi featuring a crispy, fried sushi rice base shaped like a pizza crust. But neither of those makes the cut as the most Toronto dish. That instead belongs to the peameal bacon sandwich. Featuring cornmeal-crust cured pork loin slices and honey mustard on a roll, the sandwich traces its roots back to the mid-19th century.VancouverKnown for: Pacific seafood, especially salmonOnly 150 miles up the Pacific coast from Seattle, Vancouver has earned its reputation as a home for some of the Pacific Northwest’s premier seafood, especially salmon.United StatesAtlantaKnown for: Fried chicken, lemon pepper wingsGiven its ties to iconic fried chicken sandwich chain Chick-fil-A, it’s hard to argue that Atlanta isn’t the dish’s home. Since the original store opened in the 1960s, the city and the dish have become synonymous. But another poultry-centric classic also owes its roots to The A, and that’s the famous lemon pepper wet wings.BostonKnown for: Lobster rolls, clam chowderIf you’re in the mood for Boston’s most famous foods, the lobster rolls and clam chowder will more than do the trick. DallasKnown for: Texas-style BBQ Texas is synonymous with barbecue — and rightfully so. It’s arguably one of the best places to enjoy it. Dallas is known for menu items like brisket, beef ribs, house-made sausage and pulled pork.HoustonKnown for: Tex-MexIf you’re making your way to Houston for any of the city’s World Cup matches, you’ll find yourself in one of the country’s most eclectic dining scenes. Cuisine-mixing is one of the hallmarks of Houston food (think Vietnamese Cajun), but if there’s something they are purists about, it’s Tex-Mex food.Kansas CityKnown for: Barbecue burnt endsTexas gets the most shine for its barbecue scene nationally, in large part due to the sheer number of places you can get it, including at every major airport. But pound-for-pound, Kansas City holds its own as one of the go-to destinations for smoked meat. If there’s one thing you can’t pass up while you’re in the Midwest, it’s a plate of brisket burnt ends.Los AngelesKnown for: TacosThe City of Angels likes to let everyone know that it’s home to the best tacos this side of the border, and given the sheer number of options, it’s hard to argue. Much like New York and its pizza, it’s hard to go very far in L.A. without finding a family-run Mexican restaurant serving up traditional favorites. And while some of Mexico’s host cities are known for specialty tacos, Los Angeles brings it on all fronts.MiamiKnown for: Cuban foodLess than 100 miles from the coast of Cuba, Miami is home to the hottest Cuban scene in the U.S. and features hundreds of restaurants representing Latin American cuisine, including Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, croquetas and flan de la flaca.Little Havana, the hub of Cuban cuisine and nightlife, is a roughly 30-minute drive from Hard Rock Stadium but boasts some of Miami’s top bars and restaurants. New York/New JerseyKnown for: PizzaWalk three blocks in any direction on the island of Manhattan, and you’ll run into a pizzeria that will have you considering a move to the city for its pies alone. And even though there is a distinctly New York style, you can find something different in every spot. PhiladelphiaKnown for: Philly cheesesteakPhilly is universally known for two things: some of the rowdiest fans in professional sports (who boos Santa Claus?) and the cheesesteak. Much like New York City and pizza, if you ask any native Philadelphian what the best spot is to get one, the answers vary. And if you disagree, they’ll let you hear about it.San FranciscoKnown for: Burmese foodLike the other host cities, the Bay Area is a gold mine for sampling cuisines from all over the world. But if you want something uniquely San Francisco, look for Burmese food. Some examples are Laphet Thohk (tea leaf salad), Burmese hot and sour soup, fish soup and curry chicken.SeattleKnown for: Pacific salmon, seafoodSeafood, seafood, seafood. If you’re lucky enough to be catching games in the Pacific Northwest this summer, there’s no better place to get fresh-caught salmon, cod, shrimp, lobster and more.MexicoGuadalajaraKnown for: BirriaNot as well known to international tourists as Mexico City, Guadalajara is one of the country’s cultural centers and the birthplace of tequila. Amidst its stunning architecture and history, it also offers a vibrant food scene. Along with torta ahogada (drowned sandwich), birria is one of the staples of local cuisine, in both goat and beef varieties.Mexico CityKnown for: Tacos al pastorMexico City’s food scene has exploded, becoming a major vacation destination for American and European tourists in recent years. But its place as a culinary centerpiece was established long before that. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that won’t blow your mind, with chilaquiles, tortas and tacos al pastor among the local delicacies.MonterreyKnown for: Carne asadaNestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental, Monterrey is one of Mexico’s true gems and its second-largest population center. The area is known as a business and tech hub, but it is famous for its Northern Mexican cuisine, highlighted by grilled meats. Cabrito, or baby goat, is a regional specialty along with carne asada cooked over hot coals.