Righto, the big one’s coming. You’ve circled the dates, you’re ready to chuck a sickie, and you’re planning the ultimate trip to North America to back the Socceroos on the world’s biggest stage. But once you start digging into the logistics — eye-watering hotel prices, massive distances between cities — it can all feel a bit hard yakka.
Here’s the good news: there’s a smarter play. Hire an RV and you’ve sorted your accommodation, transport, and esky all in one. Think of it as your own personal caravan, just super-sized for the American highways, and the key to a legendary Aussie fan trip in 2026.
Why This Route is a Ripper
The schedule has handed you a perfect Pacific Northwest RV trip. The distance between your first two matches is a mere 2.5-hour drive (plus a border crossing), meaning you spend less time on the bitumen and more time in the pub.
Leg 1: The Vancouver Kickoff (June 11–14)
You start in Canada. Vancouver is arguably the most scenic city in North America—mountains, ocean, and a massive Aussie expat community.
The Match: Australia vs. UEFA Playoff Winner
- Opponent: Likely Turkey, Romania, or Slovakia (TBD March 2026)
- Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Venue: BC Place, Vancouver
- Kickoff: 9:00 PM Local
Basecamp: Capilano River RV Park
- The Spot: This is the only RV park within minutes of downtown Vancouver. It’s located in West Vancouver, right at the foot of the Lions Gate Bridge.
- The Logistics: Leave the rig hooked up. You can grab a bus or a quick Uber across the bridge to the stadium.
- Tip: Book this now. With the World Cup in town, this park will be the hottest ticket in BC.
Leg 2: The “Cascadia Derby” in Seattle (June 15–20)
After the opener, point the bullbar south and head for the border. It’s a short drive down Interstate 5 to the Emerald City for the biggest match of the group stage.
The Match: Australia vs. USA
- The Big One: Australia vs USA Seattle. It’s the host nation vs. the underdog Aussies. The atmosphere at Lumen Field is going to be deafening.
- Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Venue: Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium)
- Kickoff: 12:00 PM Local
Basecamp: Lake Pleasant RV Park
- The Spot: Located in Bothell, just north of Seattle. It’s a green, leafy park with a small lake, giving you a bit of peace and quiet away from the city chaos.
- Game Day: Drive your tow car or catch a rideshare to the Northgate Link Light Rail station. From there, the train drops you directly at the stadium steps.
Important: The Border Crossing
You are crossing from Canada to the USA by land.
- Visas: You need an eTA to fly into Canada and likely an ESTA to enter the US. Double-check the entry requirements for land crossings well in advance.
- The Wait: The “Peace Arch” border crossing can get busy. Allow extra time on travel days.
Leg 3: The Great Southern Migration (June 21–24)
You have five days to get from Seattle to San Francisco (~800 miles / 1,300 km). Don’t rush it. This is your chance to see the real America.
Choose Your Route
- The Quick Way (I-5): Straight down the gut. Stop at Mount Shasta in Northern California to see the volcano, then push on to the Bay Area.
- The Scenic Way (US-101): Cut over to the Oregon Coast. See Cannon Beach (from The Goonies), drive through the towering Redwood National Park, and hug the cliffs all the way to San Francisco.
Leg 4: The California Climax (June 25–26)
You finish the group stage in the tech capital of the world, fighting for a spot in the Round of 32.
The Match: Australia vs. Paraguay
- Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Kickoff: 7:00 PM Local
Basecamp: Trailer Tel RV Park
- The Spot: Located in San Jose, very close to the stadium. It’s an older park, but location is king here—you are a short commute to the match.
- Alternative: San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica. It’s on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Spectacular views, but a longer drive to the stadium in Santa Clara.
Final Whistle
This itinerary is the holy grail of football trips: three world-class cities, short travel times, and the game of a lifetime against the USA. The Green and Gold army will be taking over the I-5 corridor—make sure you’re in the convoy.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
