American Airlines Official Air Carrier for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Image: American Airlines Boeing 737. (Photo Credit: Carlos Yudica/Adobe)
Image: American Airlines Boeing 737. (Photo Credit: Carlos Yudica/Adobe)
Jessica Puckett
by Jessica Puckett
Last updated: 10:10 AM ET, Thu April 17, 2025

American Airlines’ latest partnership will see it shuttling soccer fans across the US, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. 

The Dallas-based carrier has just been named the Official North American Airline Supplier of the FIFA World Cup 26. In this new role, American will be the go-to airline for both fans and the soccer teams themselves as they travel among the three host countries. 

The partnership means American will be working even closer with fellow Oneworld member Qatar Airways, which is the official international carrier (outside of North America) for FIFA.

The tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026, will have 48 national teams competing across 16 host cities, one of which is American’s headquarters of Dallas-Fort Worth. The airline already has 2,200 daily flights among the host cities as part of its North American route network.

“Having American Airlines on board as an Official Supplier further enhances our ability to deliver an exceptional FIFA World Cup in 2026,” FIFA’s chief business officer Romy Gai said. “Their unmatched domestic network and deep connection to the American public make them a great fit for a tournament that will captivate millions across North America.”

Later this year, loyal American Airlines fliers will also get special access to purchase World Cup match tickets by redeeming AAdvantage miles; Qatar Airways will offer similar redemptions for tickets through its Privilege Club Avios loyalty program.

What’s more: American is also giving its frequent fliers a chance to win tickets to the World Cup final being held in New Jersey on July 19, 2026. The ongoing sweepstakes begin April 17, and soccer fans can enter the contest at least once per day.

Entrants must be US residents, at least 18 years of age, and have an AAdvantage account in order to win. Signing up for an AAdvantage account is free and only takes a few moments—time well spent for a chance to see the biggest soccer match on Earth in person.


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