Toronto Tops List: Best Cities for Remote Work During 2026 Cup

Remote work is changing how we experience the world's biggest sporting events, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup is proving it.

A new study analyzed all 16 host cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico to find where digital nomads can best balance watching football with keeping up with work emails. The results show that picking the right base city could mean the difference between a smooth working vacation and a stressful scramble.

Toronto claimed the top spot with a score of 200 out of 250, followed by Vancouver at 163.3. Both Canadian cities offer lightning-fast internet speeds over 200 Mbps, plenty of coworking spaces, and strong cybersecurity infrastructure. That means fans can video call into meetings without lag and work from cafes without worrying about data breaches.

Houston and Philadelphia tied for third place, scoring 146.7 points each. Both cities delivered solid connectivity and enough affordable places to stay near their stadiums, making them practical choices for budget-conscious remote workers.

Mexico's host cities told a different story. While Guadalajara and Mexico City scored high for affordability, with draft beers around $3 and meals under $13, they struggled with slower internet and weaker cybersecurity scores. Workers staying in Mexico will want to pack a VPN and book accommodations with verified high-speed wifi.

The study looked at what actually matters for working remotely: internet speed, coworking spaces, healthcare access, cybersecurity, and cost of living. New York offered the most coworking spaces at 266, while Kansas City had just 13. Mexico City's internet averaged only 43.61 Mbps, compared to Toronto's blazing 200-plus speeds.

The Bright Side

Some American cities surprised researchers with their challenges. Boston offered zero affordable accommodation within walking distance of its stadium, with week-long stays starting at $4,000. Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco ranked low due to high costs and limited budget options near venues.

The research shows that bigger doesn't always mean better for remote workers. Kansas City might have fewer coworking spaces, but its lower costs could stretch a travel budget further than staying in Miami, where meals can top $25.

As hybrid work becomes standard, major events like the World Cup are transforming from once-in-a-lifetime trips requiring time off into extended working adventures that fit into normal life.