Carrier adds 27,000 seats, introduces new nonstop service between host cities as tournament fuels unprecedented domestic travel demand.
American Airlines is adding 27,000 seats across 12 routes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the carrier’s largest summer capacity expansion in years, as it prepares to move millions of spectators between host cities during next summer’s tournament.
The Fort Worth-based carrier will launch two new nonstop routes and increase frequencies while deploying larger aircraft on existing connections between June and July 2026. Tickets for the expanded service are already on sale.
“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.”
The expansion includes new nonstop service between New York LaGuardia and Kansas City from June 21-22, and between Atlanta and Kansas City from July 8-13. Both routes connect cities hosting multiple tournament matches.
American will increase frequencies and deploy larger aircraft on routes including Boston-Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta-Miami, and Atlanta-New York LaGuardia. The carrier will also upgauge aircraft on routes linking Philadelphia to Toronto, Kansas City to Philadelphia, and Los Angeles to Seattle.
Additional service will operate on routes between Los Angeles and Vancouver, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Jose, Atlanta and Philadelphia, and Miami and Toronto during peak tournament dates.
The schedule changes target key corridors between the 16 host cities spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Dallas will host nine matches, the most of any city, while Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York will each welcome eight tournament games.
American, serving as the official North American airline supplier for FIFA World Cup 2026, is offering AAdvantage loyalty program members early access to purchase match tickets with miles. Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members will receive first access on Dec. 17, followed by Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Pro members on Dec. 18. All remaining AAdvantage members will gain access on Dec. 19.
The carrier is also offering AAdvantage members up to a 40% discount on miles purchases and has launched daily sweepstakes with prizes including match tickets.
The expanded service responds to anticipated record demand. Tournament organizers expect 5.3 million stadium spectators in the United States, with an additional 2 million in Canada and Mexico. The 2026 tournament introduces a new format with 48 teams competing in 104 matches, up from 32 teams and 64 matches in previous World Cups.
The United States will host 78 of the 104 matches in the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries since Japan and South Korea in 2002. The distances between host cities exceed those of any previous tournament, creating significant opportunities for airlines as spectators travel between venues.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines is adding 27,000 seats on 12 routes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including two new nonstop routes linking host cities.
- Service expansion runs from June through July 2026, with both increased frequencies and larger aircraft deployed on key corridors.
- AAdvantage members received early access to purchase World Cup match tickets with miles starting Dec. 17.
- The tournament expects 5.3 million spectators in the United States, with 78 of 104 matches held at U.S. venues.
- American serves as the official North American airline supplier for the expanded 48-team tournament.
