How 90% of World Cup Fans will Prioritize Smart Mobility

Survey data from World Cup host cities Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami reveal how advance planning, reserved parking and flexible schedules will pave the road to the finals for fans and residents.

With the World Cup set to kick off this summer, new survey data from ParkMobile, part of Arrive, shows a clear shift toward planning ahead, with more than 90% of attendees willing to reserve parking in advance.

The findings, which capture local perspectives in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami, highlight a broader trend: as excitement builds, residents are prioritizing convenience, predictability and flexibility to create a seamless experience from park-to-pitch. 

Across all three cities, local enthusiasm for the event remains high, with around 80% of residents planning to attend matches or related fan festivities. That anticipation is translating into action, as residents take a more proactive and intentional approach to how they plan, move and enjoy the tournament:

• Transport Preferences: A majority of local attendees in Atlanta (60%), Philadelphia (58%) and Miami (62%) plan to use personal vehicles as their primary mode of transportation, reflecting the continued importance of driving for large-scale events.

• Digital-First Planning: More than 93% of attendees in each city expect to plan ahead for parking, and over 90% say they are willing to reserve a space in advance. The strong preference for reserving parking in advance points to a broader shift toward digital tools and pre-booking, as fans look to simplify their game day before arriving on site.

• Expanded Travel Options: In some markets, rideshare is emerging as a strong secondary choice, with nearly 30% of attendees planning to use it around the tournament. This mix of travel options highlights the growing significance of both parking availability and well-managed curb space to support frictionless movement and breathable streets.

“For host cities, the World Cup is more than a sporting event; it is a chance to showcase how modern mobility can support millions of people during a global cultural phenomena,” said Andy Harman, Head of Global Product Line Sales - Off Street and Insights at Arrive. “Fans are planning ahead and looking for smoother ways to navigate game day. Through tools like advanced parking reservations, real-time availability and digital mobility platforms, Arrive and ParkMobile are helping cities better manage demand and create a streamlined end-to-end journey.”

Beyond transportation trends, these survey data emphasize the scale of momentum building across host cities ahead of the World Cup. With strong attendance expected across matches and related festivities, like watch parties and local celebrations, this tournament is expected to be one of the largest cultural moments these cities have hosted in years. The findings underscore the role major sporting events can play in creating shared experiences across cities, while showcasing the ways residents, visitors and overall fans move, gather and celebrate together. 

Methodology

In partnership with Pollfish, ParkMobile conducted consumer surveys in March 2026 via online panels. The findings are based on responses from a representative sample of 3,000 U.S. adults from the Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami metropolitan areas. The survey focused on mobility preferences related to the World Cup.