Travel goals for a summer of soccer

It’s shaping up to be an incredible summer of soccer, with Europe’s best national sides competing for a whole month in Germany, from mid June. At the same time, the Copa América is hosted by the U.S.A., with teams like Panama, Jamaica and Mexico facing off against the giants of South America. And after that, of course, the world’s best players will be vying to bring back the gold medals from Paris.

Quite the line-up indeed, but—for true fans of soccer—attending a big-ticket tournament is only one part of the attraction. There’s also a whole range of other “footie” experiences to build a trip around, sure to deepen your love for the game and knowledge of its history. Best of all, you’re not tied down by any game schedule—you can pick and choose when to take them on and tick them off. 

See the new wave of women’s soccer 

After spending decades as an underfunded, poorly supported grassroots game, women’s soccer is experiencing an absolute boom. Top-flight matches are now a regular occurrence across the United States and mainland Europe, but for a truly unique experience, head to one of the world’s ultimate footballing cities—Liverpool. To see their women’s team (FA Women’s Championship winners in 2022) at their best, head to the city when they take on local rivals in a derby fixture. Tickets must be purchased online, ahead of match day.

Go American-style 

As well as being the world’s favorite sport, soccer nowadays is box office. It’s show business. And nowhere more so than in the U.S. generally, and Miami specifically, where a star-studded, globally recognized soccer culture has built up and boomed in recent years. With most of the scene focused around Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, your visit there can conveniently include a trip to some of the country’s best beaches and shopping.