The group stage drama is over, and the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds are officially here! Now, if you’ve made the journey over the Atlantic to catch the action live, you’re probably looking for some sightseeing to fill your downtime between matches.
Here at Access, we just so happen to be experts in two very specific things: nailing the travel logistics for massive sporting events, and managing accommodation for the TV, media, and film industries. Since those two universes are colliding right now, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite famous filming spots hiding in plain sight across the FIFA host cities.
So while we deal with the crazy tournament logistics and peak-season bookings behind the scenes, you can get busy exploring. Grab your things, channel your inner movie buff, and check out these iconic cinematic sights between matches!
USA
Atlanta: “The Hollywood of the South”
From massive soundstages like Trilith Studios, Atlanta has exploded into a top global filming hub for big-budget action and horror (Stranger Things, The Hunger Games, The Walking Dead).
The Swan House (The Hunger Games):
Located at the Atlanta History Center, this stunning 1928 mansion famously served as President Snow’s opulent Capitol residence in the Catching Fire and Mockingjay films.
Piedmont Park (Avengers: Infinity War):
This expansive green space famously stood in for New York City’s Central Park in the Marvel blockbuster, specifically the areas near 14th Street and Piedmont Road
Los Angeles: The Home of Hollywood
Malibu beaches to gritty downtown streets, LA is the ultimate filming destination (Pulp Fiction, The Dark Knight Rises).
Santa Monica Pier:
The historic pier and carousel have been featured in countless films, including The Sting and Forrest Gump.
Griffith Observatory:
Perched above the city, this iconic spot is famous for Rebel Without a Cause and the stunning dance sequence in La La Land.
New Jersey & Philadelphia
Famously paired in cinema history, these neighbours boast incredible grit and charm, hosting hits like The Sopranos, Joker, and The Sixth Sense.
Liberty State Park (Jersey City):
This scenic waterfront park is famous for the “leave the gun, take the cannoli” execution scene from Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972). It also offers iconic views of the Statue of Liberty
The “Rocky Steps” & Statue:
Recreate Rocky Balboa’s iconic run at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy). The famous bronze statue is positioned at the top of the 72 steps
Canada
Toronto: The Master of Disguise
With its classic brick architecture and grand financial district, Toronto regularly doubles as New York or Chicago (Suits, The Boys, Mean Girls).
Greektown (The Danforth):
The 2002 comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding was set in Chicago but actually filmed primarily right here in Toronto
Union Station:
This striking, historic transit hub was heavily featured in blockbusters like Suicide Squad and The Incredible Hulk
Vancouver: The Sci-Fi Capital
Known for its moody weather and stunning mountains, Vancouver is the undisputed king of sci-fi and fantasy (Deadpool, The Twilight Saga, The Flash).
Vancouver Art Gallery:
This grand neoclassical building in the heart of downtown has stood in for everything from museums to city halls in The Flash, Deadpool, and X-Men films.
Stanley Park:
The dense forests and seawall here were heavily featured in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn and Final Destination 5
Mexico
Mexico City: International Prestige
A massive hub for cinema, Mexico City famously hosted Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar-winning Roma and the breathtaking opening chase in James Bond’s Spectre.
Tepeji 22:
The primary exterior of the family home from the Oscar-winning film Roma is located on Tepeji Street in Roma Sur. It sits directly across the street from director Alfonso Cuarón’s actual childhood home
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México:
Located just off the Zócalo, this stunning 1899 Art Nouveau hotel—famous for its stained-glass Tiffany ceiling—is where Daniel Craig’s James Bond pursues a target from the roof and through the lobby.
Whether you are heading to North America to witness surviving teams battle it out in the World Cup knockouts or simply chasing the magic of the silver screen, these iconic cities offer a unique blend of sporting excitement and cinematic nostalgia.
Need a Bulletproof Travel Strategy?
Navigating these bustling hubs during the peak of the tournament can be a logistical challenge, but with the right planning, you can experience these famous destinations like a true insider. Ready to map out your blockbuster itinerary?
Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying the drama on and off the pitch, contact us now on 📞UK: +44(0)1543 272 575 / US: +1 323 393 1262 or ✉️ contactus@accessbookings.com.