Over 500 million ticket requests were submitted for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the 33-day Random Selection Draw ticket sales period – a record-breaking figure that shattered all previous records in sports history.

Yet, alongside this unprecedented level of excitement comes growing concern over safety at the world’s largest sporting event. Research shows a 70% spike in overall crime during and after major sports games, while another study of Premier League matches reported an average 20 percentage point rise in ‘expressive’ crimes on match days compared to non-match days. 

With millions of fans expected to descend on host cities this season, sports experts at SeatPick analysed violent crime rates in each World Cup host city across the US to find which stadiums are the most and least dangerous to visit in 2026. The experts further provided top safety tips for attending large sporting events to help fans avoid gameday nightmares and enjoy the tournament safely.

Most (and least) dangerous US World Cup stadiums to visit in 2026

Rank	Stadium/Arena	City	Number of violent crimes reported	Number of violent crimes per 100K people
1	Arrowhead Stadium	Kansas City, Missouri	7,914	1,547.11
2	NRG Stadium	Houston, Texas	26,628	1,148.17
3	Lincoln Financial Field	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	14,078	908.69
4	Lumen Field	Seattle, Washington	5,891	775.07
5	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Atlanta, Georgia	3,538	692.61
6	SoFi Stadium	Inglewood, California	684	674.56
7	AT&T Stadium	Arlington, Texas	1,931	482.94
8	Hard Rock Stadium	Miami Gardens, Florida	458	414.61
9	Gillette Stadium	Foxborough, Massachusetts	53	282.02
10	Levi’s Stadium	Santa Clara, California	240	181.95
11	MetLife Stadium	East Rutherford, New Jersey	12	112.95

Topping the list as the most dangerous World Cup stadium this season is Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. According to the latest FBI data, the Missouri city recorded 7,914 violent crimes in a single year, equating to a whopping 1,547 violent offences per 100,000 people. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is set to host six World Cup matches, including reigning champions Argentina’s group-stage opener. Known for their intense and passionate fanbase, Argentina fixtures are expected to draw huge crowds, and fans attending matches at this venue are urged to stay extra cautious.


NRG Stadium in Houston ranks as the second most dangerous stadium location in the United States, with a staggering 26,628 violent crimes reported in the city – equivalent to 1,148 violent crimes per 100,000 people. As one of the largest and busiest host cities, Houston is expected to attract significant numbers of visitors throughout the tournament, particularly as it hosts seven matches, including two of Portugal’s group-stage fixtures. With the tournament marking Cristiano Ronaldo’s final international outing, large and emotionally charged crowds are anticipated.

Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field places third, with the city recording 14,078 violent crimes or 908 offences per 100,000 people. The stadium will host six World Cup matches, including high-profile group-stage fixtures featuring Brazil and France.  

MetLife Stadium and Levi’s Stadium top list of safest US stadiums to visit

At the other end of the spectrum, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, which is set to host the World Cup final on July 19, emerges as the safest World Cup venue, with the lowest violent crime rate at 112 violent offences per 100K people. 

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara follows behind with 181 violent crimes per 100K people – this is around 73% lower than fellow California venue SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which clocks 674 violent crimes per 100K people. Hosting two midnight matches, Levi’s stadium comparatively low crime rate positions it as one of the safer options for late-night fixtures.