• San Francisco is ranked as the friendliest host city while Boston ranks as the least friendly
• Over half of all host city residents believe that tourism makes their local areas better
• Seattle and Vancouver locals are highly likely to assist tourists with directions and recommendations
• Some residents in major hubs like New York City and Los Angeles feel tourism is already oversaturate

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, excitement is building across North America as host cities prepare for a massive influx of international visitors. A recent survey by Casino Guru USA has provided a fascinating look into the hospitality landscape of these host locations, gauging how residents truly feel about the upcoming tournament and the tourists it will bring. By interviewing 2,500 people across various U.S., Canadian, and Mexican cities, the study categorized urban centers based on their friendliness toward travelers, revealing a wide spectrum of attitudes.

The findings highlight that San Francisco stands out as the friendliest host city, scoring an impressive 88 out of 100. Residents there show a strong enthusiasm for the event, with the vast majority believing that tourism positively impacts their community. Other welcoming hotspots include Seattle, Vancouver, Kansas City, and Toronto, where locals have a history of offering helpful recommendations and directions to visitors. These cities appear ready to embrace the cultural exchange and global energy that a tournament of this magnitude brings to their neighborhoods.

Conversely, the study identifies several cities where locals may be less enthusiastic about the tourist surge. Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York City ranked at the bottom of the friendliness index. The data suggests that for some of these major metropolitan areas, high volumes of pre-existing tourism may lead to feelings of overcrowding, causing residents to be more reserved. Despite these varied attitudes, the overwhelming majority of residents across all host cities believe that tourism improves their local culture. As fans prepare to travel, this report serves as a useful guide for understanding the diverse vibes they might encounter, ultimately encouraging visitors to remain respectful and open as they explore these vibrant host destinations.

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.