When is the tournament?
The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The opening match is at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The final is at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York City.
Your Questions Answered
How many teams are in the 2026 tournament?
48 nations — up from 32. Teams are drawn into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a Round of 32, then it's a knockout bracket through to the final.
Do I need a visa?
For the USA: You need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). It costs $21 and is valid for 2 years. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Apply at least 72 hours before travel — ideally weeks in advance.
For Canada: You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). It costs CAD $7 and is valid for 5 years. Apply at the Government of Canada website.
For Mexico: UK citizens don't need a visa for stays under 180 days. You'll receive a tourist card (FMM) on arrival.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are sold through the official tournament website. There are several sales phases — general ballot, first-come-first-served, and a resale platform. Avoid unofficial resellers — counterfeit tickets are a serious risk. Follow your national FA (the FA, SFA, or FAW) for supporter allocations.
What's the time difference?
Most matches are in the Eastern (ET) or Central (CT) time zones:
- Eastern Time = BST minus 5 hours (e.g. 8pm ET = 1am BST)
- Central Time = BST minus 6 hours
- Pacific Time = BST minus 8 hours
- Mexico City = BST minus 6 hours
Late evening kick-offs (8-9pm local) will be the early hours in the UK. Plan your sleep schedule accordingly if you're attending.
How much will it cost?
Here are rough estimates for a two-week trip:
- Budget (hostels, cheap eats, limited matches): £1,600-2,600
- Mid-range (hotels, restaurants, 4-5 matches): £3,100-5,300
- Premium (4-star hotels, premium tickets, full experience): £7,600-16,700
Mexico is significantly cheaper than the USA or Canada — roughly 2-3x more value for your money.
Is it safe?
Yes — tournament host cities are heavily policed during the event, and millions of fans will attend without incident. Standard travel precautions apply: don't flash valuables, stay aware of your surroundings, and use registered transport. The most important safety step is buying travel insurance with at least £1 million medical cover for the USA. See our full safety guide for details.
Can I drink alcohol at the stadium?
Alcohol is typically sold inside tournament stadiums, but rules vary by venue. Sales may be cut off at halftime or in the second half. Public drinking is illegal in most US cities — don't carry open containers on the street. In Mexico, drinking in public is also restricted in most areas.
What currency do I need?
- USA: US Dollar ($). Cards accepted almost everywhere. Contactless is widespread.
- Canada: Canadian Dollar (C$). Cards accepted widely.
- Mexico: Mexican Peso (MXN). Cards accepted in tourist areas, but carry some cash for smaller vendors and taxis.
Tip: Get a fee-free travel card (Starling, Monzo, Chase) before you go to avoid currency conversion charges.
Do I need to tip?
- USA: Yes — tipping is expected. 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 per day for hotel housekeeping.
- Canada: Same as the USA — 15-20% at restaurants.
- Mexico: 10-15% at restaurants. Small tips for porters, drivers, and guides.
Can I use my UK driving licence?
Yes — your UK driving licence is valid in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. You do not need an International Driving Permit for any of the three host countries. Remember: drive on the RIGHT.
What about phone and data?
All major UK networks offer roaming in North America. Check your plan — some include USA/Canada data, but Mexico is often charged separately. Alternatively, buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces.
What plug adapters do I need?
All three countries use Type A/B plugs (flat two-pin, same as the USA). You'll need a UK-to-US adapter. These are cheap and available at any airport.
Will there be a fan zone?
Yes — major host cities will have official fan zones with big screens, food, drinks, and entertainment. These are free to enter and are a great way to watch matches you don't have tickets for. Locations will be announced closer to the tournament.
Where can I watch matches I'm not attending?
- Fan zones (free, official)
- Sports bars — the USA has a growing football culture and many bars will show matches. Ask locals or check the tournament app.
- Bars and restaurants in Mexico and Canada will show every match.
What should I pack?
- Sun cream (SPF 50+) — you will burn. North American summer sun is intense.
- A refillable water bottle — free water refill stations are common in the USA.
- Comfortable walking shoes — American cities are spread out.
- A light rain jacket — afternoon thunderstorms are common in many host cities (Miami, Houston, Atlanta).
- Your team shirt — obviously.
- Plug adapter (UK to US)
- Copies of your passport, ESTA/eTA, insurance, and tickets (both digital and paper)
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — and it is essential, not optional. Medical costs in the USA are extremely high without insurance. A standard UK travel policy will typically not cover the USA without a specific add-on. Look for a policy that covers:
- Emergency medical treatment and repatriation (aim for at least £5 million medical cover)
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Baggage and personal items
- Sports event ticket cancellation (some specialist policies include this)
Compare policies at the FCDO's recommended comparison sites. Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared — failure to disclose can invalidate your policy. Buy insurance as soon as you book your travel; you are covered for cancellation from the purchase date, not the travel date.
Can I bring flags and scarves into stadiums?
Yes, with conditions. Fabric flags and scarves are generally permitted into 2026 tournament venues. The standard rules:
- Flag poles/sticks are limited to 1 metre maximum (longer poles will be confiscated at the gate)
- Flags must be no larger than 2m × 1.5m for standard entry
- Scarves — unrestricted
- Face paint — permitted (but aerosol cans and spray canisters are prohibited)
- Drums and percussion — permitted subject to space and noise level restrictions; check the specific venue policy
England flags and St George's Cross scarves are always a welcome sight in the stands. Bring them — the atmosphere in North American stadiums during major football events has been outstanding at every recent major tournament.
What happens if England get through the group stage?
If England progress beyond the group stage, the knockout fixtures take them through a longer sequence. The bracket for the expanded 48-team tournament works as follows:
- Round of 32 (last 32): First knockout round — group winners vs third-placed qualifiers
- Round of 16: Second knockout round
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals (two matches — 15 and 16 July at MetLife and AT&T Stadium)
- Final — 19 July at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The further England go, the more flexible your travel plans need to be. Book accommodation that is refundable up to 48-72 hours before your stay, rather than non-refundable rates. If England reach the final, demand for New York-area hotels and flights will be extreme — having a contingency plan and a hotel booking in place already (even at a higher rate) is worth the peace of mind.