American Airlines is expanding its flight schedule during next year’s FIFA World Cup, helping its customers to travel between host cities during the upcoming tournament in June and July 2026. This includes two new nonstop connections and more flights on existing routes, as well as upgrading to larger aircraft types.

This will add around 27,000 additional seats across 12 routes next summer, with tickets for these flights already on sale. The airline has also revealed more opportunities for AAdvantage members to redeem miles for all match tickets at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

American Airlines Announces Major World Cup 2026 Expansion

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The carrier has unveiled a sweeping expansion of its network during the world’s biggest sporting event next summer, adding more routes, flights and perks for its customers. Between June and July 2026, American will add an extra 27,000 seats on 12 key routes, enabling its customers to travel seamlessly between the US World Cup host cities during the tournament.

For example, routes like Boston–Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta–Miami will be boosted with more frequent flights and larger aircraft, while new service will be added between New York LaGuardia–Kansas and Atlanta-Kansas. The full changes and respective dates are detailed below:

Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning, commented,

“American is ready with its game plan for the FIFA World Cup 26, adding an extra 27,000 seats on 12 routes this summer. 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.”

AAdvantage Perks

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AAdvantage members will have more opportunities to redeem miles for match tickets, with early-access windows opening for elite members.

Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members receive the first opportunity to redeem miles on December 17, followed by Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Pro members on December 18. All remaining AAdvantage members can gain access on December 19.

This follows a successful first round of ticket redemptions, with American also launching daily sweepstakes offering prizes like match tickets. Members can also purchase miles at up to a 40% discount.

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How Busy Will It Be During The FIFA World Cup?

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There are expected to be around 5.3 million stadium spectators in the US during next year’s FIFA World Cup, along with a further two million in Canada and Mexico. While the tournament is being jointly hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, the majority of games (78 of 104) will be held in the US. American Airlines is the official “North American Airline Supplier” of the FIFA World Cup 2026, so it is set to play a crucial role in delivering connectivity between cities.

The city hosting the most matches is Dallas with nine, while Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York will welcome eight tournament matches. Air travel during the tournament will be strong both domestically and internationally — unlike most World Cups in the past, next year involves 16 host cities across three countries, representing just the second time a tournament has been jointly hosted, after 2002 in Japan and South Korea.

The distances between venues are also greater than ever before, meaning airlines will be benefiting from significant demand. Additionally, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce a new, expanded tournament, increasing the number of teams from 32 to 48 and the total matches played from 64 to 104.