Football fans from England and Scotland now know their teams’ paths in the 2026 World Cup, set to kick off on June 11 in venues across the US, Canada, and Mexico. With England facing Croatia in Dallas, Ghana in Boston, and Panama in New York, and Scotland playing Haiti and Morocco in Boston before Brazil in Florida, supporters face big travel choices for this massive tournament ending July 19.
This guide pulls together the latest tips on flights, stays, and getting around to help fans plan without breaking the bank. As ticket draws loom, experts warn prices for airfare and hotels are already climbing in host cities.
Key Matches and Venues
England starts strong against Croatia on June 12 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a huge indoor spot that seats over 100,000. Next comes Ghana on June 18 at Gillette Stadium in Boston, followed by Panama on June 27 at MetLife Stadium in New York, just across from Manhattan.
Scotland’s journey begins with Haiti on June 13 and Morocco on June 19, both at Gillette Stadium in Boston, the closest US venue to home. Their big clash with Brazil happens on June 25 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, promising warm weather and tough competition.
If Wales or Northern Ireland make it through qualifiers, their games would be in Toronto, Los Angeles, and Seattle. All group games for both teams stay in the US, making cross-country trips a must for dedicated followers.
Fans should note the tournament’s spread: 16 cities host matches, with the final in Dallas. Early planning beats the rush, as recent draws have sparked a surge in bookings.
Flight Options from the UK
Direct flights from major UK airports like London Heathrow, Manchester, and Glasgow to US hubs are plentiful, but prices are rising fast after the group draw. Budget carriers like Norse Atlantic offer deals from London to New York starting around £300 round-trip if booked early, while full-service lines like British Airways charge more for comfort on long hauls.
For Dallas, expect flights from Heathrow via American Airlines or United, with economy fares now averaging £500 to £700 for June travel. Boston routes from Edinburgh or Glasgow can dip under £400 on airlines like Delta or JetBlue, especially midweek.
Connecting flights through Europe, such as via Amsterdam or Dublin, often save money but add time. Recent data shows a 20 percent spike in searches for US flights from the UK since the draw, so lock in now to avoid peaks closer to summer.
Travel experts recommend flexible dates and alerts for price drops. For Scotland fans heading to Miami, direct options from London are limited, so plan a stop in Atlanta or New York.
- Cheapest routes: London to New York (£250-£400), Manchester to Boston (£350-£500).
- Peak times to avoid: Weekends around match days, when fares can double.
- Tips: Use tools like Google Flights for alerts and consider premium economy for the 8-10 hour journeys.
Accommodation Choices in Host Cities
Hotels in match cities are booking up quick, with rates in New York for England’s Panama game already hitting £500 per night in midtown spots. Boston offers more options, from budget chains like Holiday Inn near Gillette Stadium at £150-£250, to hostels for under £100 if you share.
In Dallas, stadium-area stays start at £200, but suburbs cut costs to £100 with easy transport links. Miami for Scotland’s Brazil match sees beachfront hotels at £300-plus, though Airbnb rentals in nearby areas go for £150 and include kitchens to save on food.
Fans report success with vacation rentals for groups, splitting costs and adding a home base for watching games. Recent trends show a 30 percent rise in US hotel bookings from UK travelers post-draw.
| City | Average Hotel Price (per night, June 2026) | Budget Option | Luxury Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | £150-£300 | Motel 6 near airport (£100) | Omni Dallas (£400+) |
| Boston | £200-£400 | HI Boston Hostel (£120) | Four Seasons (£600+) |
| New York | £300-£600 | Pod Hotel (£200) | The Plaza (£800+) |
| Miami | £250-£500 | Airbnb condo (£180) | Fontainebleau (£700+) |
Always check cancellation policies, as ticket ballots could change plans. Camping or RV parks near stadiums appeal to adventurous groups for under £50 per spot.
Getting Around the US
The US is vast, so internal travel is key for following multiple games. Domestic flights between cities like Dallas to Boston run £100-£200 on Southwest or American, but book early as demand surges.
Trains via Amtrak offer scenic rides, such as Boston to New York for £50-£100, taking about four hours. For longer hauls like New York to Miami, flights beat the 24-hour drive.
Rideshares like Uber work well in cities, but public transit saves money: Boston’s T system gets you to Gillette for £5, while New York’s subway is efficient for MetLife. Renting a car suits road trips, with gas prices around £0.70 per liter.
Recent fan posts highlight group charters or fan buses organized by supporter clubs, cutting costs and building community. Check apps like Rome2Rio for combos of bus, train, and flight.
Budget Tips and Safety Advice
Total costs for a full group stage trip could hit £2,000-£4,000 per person, covering flights, stays, tickets (averaging £300 for group games), and food. Save by eating local: Dallas BBQ spots or Boston seafood markets keep meals under £20.
Visa rules require an ESTA for UK visitors, costing £17 and valid for two years. Health insurance is a must, as US medical care is pricey.
Stay safe by avoiding isolated areas at night and using official transport. With terrorism concerns low but crowds high, follow stadium rules and local alerts.
What to Expect Beyond the Games
The World Cup brings cultural perks: explore Dallas’s arts scene, Boston’s history trails, New York’s landmarks, or Miami’s beaches between matches. Fan zones in each city offer free viewing parties and events.
This tournament marks the first with 48 teams, boosting excitement and travel demand. Recent qualifiers saw Scotland end a 28-year drought, fueling national pride.
As plans firm up, share your travel tips or questions in the comments below. What match are you most excited for?
