A guide for English fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQs

After a dominant qualifying campaign where they secured 8 wins from 8 games, the Three Lions are heading to North America with one goal: to bring football home. Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, England fans are ready for a historic tournament across three host nations.

Navigating three different countries’ entry requirements (USA, Mexico, and Canada) can be a tactical challenge for even the most seasoned traveler. This guide serves as your official logistical playbook to ensure your journey is as smooth as a Jude Bellingham midfield run.

Here is everything you need to know about England’s schedule, their potential path to the final, and the visas you’ll need to get there.

England’s group stage schedule

Overview: England has been drawn into Group L with 2018 finalist Croatia, African powerhouse Ghana, and Panama. For the opening phase, the team will stay entirely within the United States, minimizing border crossings in June.

Match 1: England vs. Croatia

• Date: June 17, 2026
• Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
• The Vibe: Kick off the tournament in a "high-tech cathedral". With its massive hanging video board and retractable roof, the atmosphere in Dallas will be a Texas-sized welcome for the England faithful.

Match 2: England vs. Ghana

• Date: June 23, 2026
• Venue: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, MA
• The Vibe: Heading to the East Coast. Boston's deep historical ties and large international population will make for a vibrant, rowdy atmosphere for this high-stakes clash.

Match 3: Panama vs. England

• Date: June 27, 2026
• Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, NJ
• The Vibe: Closing the group stage in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline. This match is all about securing the top spot in Group L before the knockout rounds begin.

England’s path through the knockouts

If England tops Group L, their predicted journey toward the final at MetLife Stadium follows a path through some of the tournament's most iconic venues.

Round of 32: England in the City of Brotherly Love

• Date: July 3, 2026
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
• The Scenario: A win in Group L likely leads to a match in Philly. The passionate local sports culture will provide a high-intensity backdrop for the start of the knockouts.

Round of 16: England returns to Texas

• Date: July 7, 2026
• Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Arlington), TX
• The Scenario: Returning to the site of their opener. This stage is where the heavyweights begin to clash as the path to the trophy narrows.

Quarter-Finals: England’s test in the Heartland

• Date: July 11, 2026
• Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• The Scenario: Facing a potential giant in one of the loudest stadiums on Earth. Nerves will be tested as the final four come into view.

Semi-Finals: England’s Atlanta encore

• Date: July 15, 2026
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• The Scenario: One more victory in this iconic indoor arena to reach the pinnacle of world football.

The Final: Can England bring it home?

• Date: July 19, 2026
• Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
• The Scenario: Returning to the venue of their final group match for a chance at immortality.

World Cup visas & travel documents for English fans

Traveling between three nations requires precision. You can use the iVisa check tool to see exactly what you need for each host country.

English football fans traveling to the USA

• US ESTA: As British citizens are part of the Visa Waiver Program, most fans can travel with an ESTA rather than a full visa.
• FIFA PASS: If your ESTA is denied, you may need a B1/B2 visa. The US Department of State has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS). If you are a English fan with a confirmed match ticket, you can apply to access priority visa interview appointments.

When should English fans a B1/B2 Visa Instead of an ESTA?

While most English fans will qualify for an ESTA, you must apply for a full B1/B2 visa if you intend to stay in the United States for longer than 90 days or if your travel purpose is not strictly limited to business or tourism. You are also required to obtain a visa if you have been arrested, even if it did not result in a conviction, or if you have previously visited certain countries such as Iran, Iraq, or Cuba.

Additionally, if your ESTA application is denied for any reason, the B1/B2 visa is the alternative for legal entry into the U.S. for the World Cup.

English football fans traveling to Mexico

• Visa-Free Entry: British citizens do not require a visa for tourism stays of up to 180 days.
• Digital FMM: You must complete the digital Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMMd) online before arrival and print it to show at the border. If you’re entering Mexico through a land border, you can use our services to handle your application.

English football fans traveling to Canada

• Canada eTA: Most British passport holders flying to Canada require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• ArriveCAN Travel Declaration: Once you arrive in Canada, you will need to complete a travel declaration. While it's not mandatory to use ArriveCan, it does reduce paperwork at the airport. It also means quicker processing through border control, a massive advantage when traveling during peak travel times.

How iVisa can help

Navigating three different immigration systems is a headache no fan wants. At iVisa, we specialize in making the complex simple.

• Apply through a streamlined application portal: Unlike government sites, our application portal wasn’t built by the lowest bidder. This means a smoother experience for our clients, and no glitches or bugs.
• Intuitive US B1/B2 and FIFA PASS application: We’ll handle your FIFA PASS application for you, find your nearest and most efficient processing center, and provide invaluable pre- and post-application support. For the B1/B2 application, this includes a dedicated Key Account Manager, interview preparation, and personal support.
• Multiple supported languages: Language should be the last thing to stand between you and your trip; that’s why we support applications in 14 languages.
• Simplified Forms: We’ve stripped away the confusing bureaucratic jargon. Our application is shorter and much easier to navigate.
• Flexible Document Uploads: Our platform automatically adjusts your photos and documents to meet government specifications, so you don’t have to be a tech expert to apply.
• Guaranteed Payment Success: We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and even PayPal or Venmo, ensuring your payment goes through the first time.
• 24/7 Customer Support: If you have a question at 2 AM, our team is there to answer it. You’ll never be left wondering about your status.

FAQs for English football travelers heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup