THE ULTIMATE UK FAN GUIDE TO TRAVELLING TO THE USA FOR
FIFA World Cup 2026
Everything UK fans need — from ESTA applications and flights to hotels, transport, budgets and matchday tips across all 11 US host cities
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the biggest sporting event on the planet — and for the first time, it is happening right on our doorstep in terms of direct transatlantic flights. Spread across 11 US cities, 3 Mexican cities and 2 Canadian cities between 11 June and 19 July 2026, this is the most accessible World Cup for UK fans in a generation.
England are in. Scotland are in for the first time in 28 years. And flights, right now, are cheaper than feared. But there is a lot to plan — visas, internal travel, accommodation, stadium transport and a tournament schedule that could take you from Dallas to Boston to New York in the space of three weeks.
This is the only guide you need. We have pulled together every piece of practical information UK fans need to book, plan and enjoy the trip of a lifetime — including the data gaps that every other travel guide has missed.
What’s in this guide
- Step 1: ESTA and entry requirements for UK fans
- Step 2: Flights from the UK — what to expect and when to book
- Step 3: The 11 US host cities — where to stay and what to do
- Step 4: Getting around — transport between and within cities
- Step 5: How much will it cost? Full budget breakdown
- Step 6: England and Scotland match schedule
- Step 7: World Cup tickets — what’s left and how to buy
- Step 8: Practical tips — money, safety, health and time zones
- Frequently asked questions
Step 1: ESTA and entry requirements — do not skip this
Before you book a single flight or hotel, you need to sort your entry authorisation into the United States. This is the step most UK fans overlook, and it is the one most likely to derail your trip.
UK passport holders: you need an ESTA, not a visa
The good news for British passport holders is that you do not need a full US tourist visa (B1/B2). The UK is part of the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which means you can enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa — but you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before you travel.
| ESTA Quick Facts Cost: $21 per person | Application: online only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov | Processing time: usually within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before travel | Valid for: 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is first) | Every traveller needs their own ESTA, including children | ESTA covers multiple trips to the US within the 2-year validity |
How to apply for your ESTA
- Go to the official site: Apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — the official US Customs and Border Protection website. Dozens of third-party sites charge £50+ for the same $21 application.
- Have your passport ready: You will need your passport number, issue and expiry dates, and the biometric data page.
- Fill in the form: The application asks about travel history, health, and any criminal record. Answer all questions honestly.
- Pay $21 per person: Payment is by credit or debit card.
- Save your authorisation: Print or screenshot your approved ESTA number — you may be asked for it at check-in.
| Important: ESTA can be refused Even for British passport holders, ESTA applications can be declined — typically due to previous US visa refusals, certain criminal convictions, or travel to specific countries including Iran, Iraq, Cuba, North Korea, Sudan and Syria after 1 March 2011. If your ESTA is refused, you will need to apply for a full B2 visa at the US Embassy in London, which takes considerably longer. Apply for your ESTA well before booking non-refundable travel. |
Non-VWP countries: the FIFA PASS system
Fans from countries outside the Visa Waiver Programme — including Brazil, Argentina, India, Nigeria and most African nations — require a full US B1/B2 visa. However, FIFA and the US State Department have launched a dedicated FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) which gives World Cup 2026 ticket holders access to prioritised visa interview appointments. If you hold tickets and need a visa, register via the official US State Department World Cup page immediately.
If you plan to visit Canada or Mexico too
If your team’s matches take you across the border into Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey, you will need separate entry authorisations. For Canada, UK citizens need a Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which costs CAD $7 and is applied for online. For Mexico, UK citizens can enter visa-free for up to 180 days. Note: you will need a valid passport — not just a driving licence — for all border crossings. A US passport is required to cross land borders; UK passport holders will cross as international visitors.
Step 2: Flights from the UK — what to expect
Here is some rare good news: as of June 2026, transatlantic flights to World Cup host cities are cheaper than they were six months ago. Demand has been softer than anticipated, and prices have fallen significantly since the initial post-draw surge.
Current UK flight prices to US host cities
| Route (Return) | Approx price (June 2026) | Best airports to use | Airlines |
| London → Dallas (group stage) | £640–£950 | LHR, MAN | American, Virgin, BA |
| London → Boston (group stage) | £580–£880 | LHR, MAN, EDI | BA, American, United |
| London → New York (final) | £520–£800 | LHR, MAN, EDI, BHX | BA, Virgin, Delta, AA |
| London → Miami | £550–£850 | LHR, MAN | BA, Virgin, American |
| London → Los Angeles | £580–£920 | LHR | BA, Virgin, American |
| London → Atlanta | £560–£860 | LHR, MAN | Delta, BA, American |
| London → Seattle | £600–£950 | LHR | BA, Alaska, Delta |
| London → Houston | £580–£880 | LHR, MAN | BA, United, American |
One tracked itinerary from Newcastle to Dallas and back from New York dropped from over £1,000 to around £945 recently. Fans connecting through Dublin can save further — flights via American Airlines and Aer Lingus have been seen as low as £645. Prices involving connections through Amsterdam (KLM), Paris (Air France) or Frankfurt (Lufthansa) offer good value from regional UK airports.
Booking tips
- Book open-jaw routes: Fly into your team’s first match city and home from their final match city — this saves doubling back and can be cheaper than return tickets.
- Be flexible on dates: Flying a day before or after a match day can save hundreds of pounds. Midweek departures are consistently cheaper.
- Use multiple departure airports: Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham all have transatlantic routes. Driving an extra hour to a different airport can save £150+.
- Consider connecting through Europe: Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt and Dublin hubs open up many more options from regional UK airports.
- Domestic US flights: If following your team to multiple cities, book domestic flights early. Miami is currently running 65% above 2025 prices for internal US routes. Dallas, Boston and New York are up 28–36%.
Step 3: The 11 US host cities — where to stay
The US hosts 78 of the 104 World Cup matches across 11 cities split into three geographic regions. Here is what UK fans need to know about each.
Eastern region — England and Scotland territory
Most UK fans will spend the majority of their trip in the East, where both England and Scotland play their group games.
| City | Stadium | UK team playing | Budget hotel/night | Mid-range/night |
| New York / New Jersey | MetLife Stadium | England (Panama, Group stage + Final here) | £150–£200 | £250–£400 |
| Boston | Gillette Stadium | England (Ghana) + Scotland (2 matches) | £120–£170 | £200–£320 |
| Philadelphia | Lincoln Financial Field | No UK teams — group + R16 matches | £100–£150 | £180–£280 |
| Miami | Hard Rock Stadium | No UK teams — QF + 3rd place | £130–£180 | £220–£350 |
| Atlanta | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | No UK teams — SF here | £100–£150 | £175–£270 |
| Accommodation warning: New York and Miami New York hotel prices have risen sharply for Final week (around 19 July). However, as of May 2026, a room at the Holiday Inn Express in Midtown Manhattan fell 13% and budget accommodation dropped up to 20% due to softer-than-expected demand. Book now while prices are falling — but use refundable rates in case of team elimination. For Boston, note Gillette Stadium is 30 miles from downtown — the MBTA runs matchday trains but check schedules. |
Central region
| City | Stadium | Matches | Budget hotel/night | Mid-range/night |
| Dallas / Arlington | AT&T Stadium | England (Croatia) — Group + QF + SF | £90–£140 | £160–£250 |
| Houston | NRG Stadium | Group + R32 + R16 | £85–£130 | £155–£240 |
| Kansas City | Arrowhead Stadium | Group + R32 + QF | £80–£120 | £140–£220 |
Western region
| City | Stadium | Matches | Budget hotel/night | Mid-range/night |
| Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium | Group + R32 + QF | £120–£180 | £200–£350 |
| San Francisco / Bay Area | Levi’s Stadium | Group + R32 | £130–£190 | £210–£360 |
| Seattle | Lumen Field | Group + R32 + R16 | £110–£160 | £185–£300 |
Step 4: Getting around — transport within and between cities
Getting to the stadiums on matchday
Most US host city stadiums have public transit connections, but quality varies dramatically. Here is what to know city by city:
| City | Stadium transit | Cost (return) | Key notes |
| Philadelphia | SEPTA Broad Street Line | £2.30 | Cheapest + easiest. Free post-match rides (2hrs, sponsored by Airbnb) |
| Los Angeles | LA Metro to SoFi | £2.80 | Reliable. Buy TAP card in advance |
| Atlanta | MARTA Blue/Green to Vine City | £3.95 | Right downtown. Easy |
| Dallas | TRE + free shuttle | £4.75 | Arlington is not walkable — shuttle is essential |
| Houston | METRORail Red Line | £1.95 | Cheapest city for getting around |
| Seattle | Link Light Rail | £5.50–£9.50 | 3-day World Cup pass available for £14.25 |
| San Francisco | BART + VTA Light Rail | £11.85–£19.75 | More complex connection — allow extra time |
| Boston | MBTA matchday train | £63 | Pricey. Book early — only 40,000 train seats per match |
| New York / NJ | NJ Transit to MetLife | £77.50 | Zero on-site parking. No alternative — trains sell out |
| Miami | Brightline + shuttle | £15.80 | Only viable option — Hard Rock not walkable |
| Kansas City | Shuttle only | £11.85 | No rail option — shuttle or rideshare |
| MetLife Stadium (the Final venue) — critical warning MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey has zero on-site spectator parking for World Cup matches. NJ Transit is the only realistic transport option and tickets are capped at 40,000 per match. NJ Transit World Cup train tickets cost $98 return (approximately £77). Book your train ticket the moment you secure match tickets — they will sell out for the Final and knockout rounds. |
Travelling between host cities
If your team advances or you are watching multiple teams, here is how to move between US cities efficiently:
| Route | Best option | Approx cost | Travel time |
| Dallas → Boston (England Group) | Fly | £80–£160 | 3.5 hrs |
| Boston → New York (England Group) | Amtrak or fly | £40–£80 | 4 hrs train / 1 hr flight |
| New York → Miami (QF/Final area) | Fly | £60–£120 | 3 hrs |
| Dallas → Atlanta (Semifinal) | Fly | £70–£130 | 2.5 hrs |
| LA → San Francisco | Train or fly | £30–£80 | 1.5 hrs flight |
| Boston → Miami (Scotland potential) | Fly | £130–£250+ | 3.5 hrs |
| Any Eastern city → Western city | Fly only | £100–£200+ | 5–6 hrs |
Amtrak connects Eastern Seaboard cities (Boston, New York, Philadelphia) and can be a comfortable, scenic alternative to flying. The Acela high-speed service between Boston and New York takes approximately 3.5 hours and costs around £60–120 depending on booking lead time. For anything involving the Central or Western cities, flying is the only realistic option.
Step 5: How much will it cost? UK fan budget breakdown
This is the question every guide dances around. Here is what a full-tournament trip following England (Dallas → Boston → New York, with potential for Atlanta, Miami and the Final) realistically costs in 2026:
Budget breakdown: following England (group stage only — 10 days)
| Expense | Budget traveller | Mid-range | Premium |
| Return flights (UK → Dallas, NY → UK) | £640 | £850 | £1,800+ |
| Internal US flights (Dallas → Boston → NY) | £160 | £280 | £500+ |
| Accommodation (10 nights, mix of cities) | £1,100 | £2,200 | £4,500+ |
| World Cup tickets (3 group stage matches) | £220 | £380 | £800+ |
| Stadium transport (3 cities) | £80 | £140 | £200 |
| Food and drink (10 days) | £400 | £700 | £1,500+ |
| Travel insurance | £60 | £90 | £150 |
| ESTA ($21 pp) | £17 | £17 | £17 |
| Spending / souvenirs / activities | £200 | £400 | £1,000+ |
| TOTAL | £2,877 | £5,057 | £10,467+ |
| Following England to the Final — total cost estimate A fan following England through all seven potential matches (group stage through to the Final at MetLife) would cover Dallas, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Miami and then back to New Jersey. Based on current prices, the total trip cost runs from approximately £7,500 at budget level to over £15,000 for a comfortable experience. Flights alone across this route would account for around £2,200 including the transatlantic leg and five domestic US flights. |
Money-saving tips for UK fans
- Book refundable hotel rates: Your plans will change as the tournament progresses. Pay a small premium for refundable bookings rather than locking in non-refundable rates around uncertain match cities.
- Use a travel credit card: Cards like Chase, Starling or Monzo charge zero foreign transaction fees. Standard UK debit and credit cards add 2.5–3% per transaction — that adds up fast over three weeks in the US.
- Cook occasionally: US cities have excellent supermarkets (Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s). Buying breakfast and some lunches yourself can save £15–20 per day.
- Fan zones are free: FIFA Fan Festivals are taking place in all 11 host cities with live big screens, entertainment and food. A great way to watch non-ticket matches at no cost.
- Pre-load a dollar card: Load USD onto a Wise or Revolut card before you travel to lock in a better rate than airport exchange.
Step 6: England and Scotland match schedule 2026
England fixtures
| Match | Date | City / Stadium | Kick-off (UK time) |
| England vs Croatia | 11 June 2026 | Dallas — AT&T Stadium | ~8pm BST |
| England vs Ghana | 17 June 2026 | Boston — Gillette Stadium | ~5pm BST |
| England vs Panama | 23 June 2026 | New York — MetLife Stadium | ~8pm BST |
| Round of 32 (if qualified) | 28 June – 3 July | TBC based on group position | TBC |
| Round of 16 (if qualified) | 4–7 July | TBC | TBC |
| Quarterfinal (if qualified) | 9–11 July | TBC (Boston, LA, Miami or KC) | TBC |
| Semifinal (if qualified) | 14–15 July | Dallas or Atlanta | TBC |
| World Cup Final | 19 July 2026 | New York — MetLife Stadium | ~8pm BST |
Scotland fixtures
| Match | Date | City / Stadium | Kick-off (UK time) |
| Scotland vs Haiti | 12 June 2026 | Boston — Gillette Stadium | ~5pm BST |
| Scotland vs Morocco | 18 June 2026 | Boston — Gillette Stadium | ~2pm BST |
| Scotland vs [Group C3] | 24 June 2026 | Miami — Hard Rock Stadium | ~TBC |
| Time zone note for UK fans US East Coast cities (New York, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia) are 5 hours behind UK time in summer. Central cities (Dallas, Houston, Kansas City) are 6 hours behind. West Coast cities (LA, San Francisco, Seattle) are 8 hours behind. A Dallas 7pm local kick-off is 1am BST — late nights watching with friends back home are guaranteed. |
Step 7: World Cup tickets — what is available
Tickets for most group stage matches are still available through official channels as of June 2026, though prices have risen from the initial draw and availability for England and Scotland matches is limited.
| Stage | Official price range | Typical resale range | Availability |
| Group stage | £50–£200 | £150–£600+ | Limited for ENG/SCO games |
| Round of 32 | £80–£300 | £200–£700 | Some available |
| Round of 16 | £120–£400 | £300–£900 | Limited |
| Quarterfinals | £200–£600 | £500–£1,500 | Very limited |
| Semifinals | £350–£900 | £800–£2,500 | Scarce |
| Third place play-off | £200–£600 | £400–£1,200 | Some available |
| World Cup Final | £600–£7,000+ | £2,000–£15,000+ | Extremely scarce |
- Official ticket channels: com/tickets is the only authorised primary market. For resale, FIFA’s official resale marketplace is the safest option.
- Legitimate secondary platforms: Viagogo, StubHub and Ticketmaster resale are the main secondary markets. Prices will rise as teams advance. For group stage matches of smaller nations, some tickets sell below face value.
- Avoid unofficial sellers: Tickets bought outside official channels risk being invalid at the gate. Only buy from verified platforms.
Step 8: Essential practical tips for UK fans in the USA
Health and travel insurance
- Travel insurance is non-negotiable: US healthcare is extremely expensive. A single hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation and missed connections.
- EHIC / GHIC cards: These do not cover the USA. You need private travel insurance.
- Prescriptions: Bring sufficient supply of any prescription medication, plus a doctor’s letter. Some UK medications have different names in the US.
Money and banking
- Tipping culture: The US has a strong tipping culture. Budget 18–22% on restaurant bills, $1–2 per drink at a bar, and $2–5 per bag for hotel porters.
- Card payments: Cards are accepted almost everywhere but have a backup of some cash for taxis, smaller vendors and stadium food in some cities.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks rather than standalone machines to avoid high surcharge fees.
Safety and awareness
- Keep your ESTA and passport details separate: Store a photo of your passport and ESTA confirmation in cloud storage as backup.
- Match day awareness: American stadiums have different entry rules to UK grounds. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off, especially for New York and Boston where transit queues build heavily.
- Fan zones and public viewing: FIFA Fan Festival areas will be held in all host cities. Check local city guides for locations — these are excellent for atmosphere without the ticket cost.
- Emergency numbers: The US emergency number is 911. The UK Embassy in Washington DC can be reached on +1 202 588 7800 if you need consular assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a visa to travel to the USA for the World Cup?
No. UK citizens are part of the US Visa Waiver Programme and do not need a standard tourist visa. However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before you travel. It costs $21 per person and is applied for online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. It is usually approved within minutes but apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
How much does it cost to attend the World Cup 2026 in the USA?
For a 10-day trip following England through the group stage (flights, hotels, tickets and expenses), budget travellers should expect to spend approximately £2,900–£3,500. A comfortable mid-range trip costs around £5,000–£6,000. Following England all the way to a potential final would cost £7,500–£15,000+ depending on accommodation and ticket choices.
When should I book flights and hotels?
For the best prices, book now. As of June 2026, prices have actually dropped compared to earlier in the year due to softer-than-expected demand. However, prices for match weeks — particularly in New York for the Final — will rise again as the knockout rounds approach. Book refundable hotel rates so you can cancel if your team is eliminated.
Are flights cheaper now than they were earlier in 2026?
Yes. Return flights from the UK to Dallas (England’s opening match) have fallen from over £1,000 to around £640–£950 for most routes. Fans connecting through Dublin via Aer Lingus and American Airlines have seen fares as low as £645. Hotel prices in some cities have also dropped 13–20% compared to earlier booking periods.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel and then to the stadium?
Every US host city has airport connections to the city centre. Stadium transport varies — Philadelphia is the cheapest and easiest at under £3 return. New York’s MetLife Stadium requires NJ Transit at around £78 return and has zero parking. Always research the specific transit options for each city you are visiting well in advance — see our transport table in Step 4.
Can I visit Canada or Mexico as well as the USA on the same trip?
Yes, but you need separate travel authorisations. For Canada, UK citizens need a Canadian eTA (CAD $7, applied online). For Mexico, UK citizens can enter visa-free for up to 180 days. You will need your UK passport — not just a driving licence — for all border crossings.
Are there still tickets available for England and Scotland games?
As of June 2026, some official tickets remain available through FIFA.com/tickets, though availability for England vs Croatia (Dallas) and both Scotland matches in Boston is very limited. Group stage tickets for less popular matches are more accessible. The official FIFA resale platform is the safest secondary market option.
Is it safe to travel to the USA for the World Cup?
Yes. The major US host cities are among the most-visited cities in the world. Standard travel precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and take out comprehensive travel insurance. The US emergency number is 911. Consular support for UK travellers is available through the British Embassy in Washington and British Consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, Houston and Chicago.
About this guide
This guide was produced by the Search4Sun travel team. Search4Sun.com compares over 120,000 UK package holidays from all major UK tour operators including TUI,and easyJet Holidays. While the World Cup itself requires direct booking through FIFA and official channels, our comparison platform can help you find the best flights and hotels for your US adventure.
Prices quoted throughout this guide are indicative as of June 2026 and will fluctuate. Always check current availability through official booking platforms. Exchange rate used: £1 = $1.26 approximately.
