The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest tournament ever staged, taking place across the USA, Canada and Mexico. For UK supporters, it offers an incredible chance to combine world-class football with the adventure of World Cup travel across some of the most exciting cities in North America.

This guide highlights everything England and Scotland fans need to know about World Cup travel – from fixtures and host cities to travel tips and the best destinations to base yourself during the tournament.

England & Scotland: Groups and Fixtures

Both England and Scotland now know their group opponents, and FIFA has released the full match schedule. Below is a simple breakdown of each nation’s confirmed fixtures that could impact your plans as you travel for the World Cup.

England – Group L Fixtures
  • 17 June 2026 vs Croatia (Dallas, Texas)
  • 23 June 2026 vs Ghana (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • 27 June 2026 vs Panama (New York, New Jersey)
Scotland – Group C Fixtures
  • 14 June 2026 vs Haiti (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • 19 June 2026 vs Morocco (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • 24 June 2026 vs Brazil (Miami, Florida)
Where the Knockout Matches Will Be Played

The knockout rounds will take place across a selection of major US stadiums, essential information for planning your travel during the World Cup.

  • Quarter Final 1 – Boston, Gillette Stadium — 9 July 2026
  • Quarter Final 2 – Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium — 10 July 2026
  • Quarter Final 3 – Miami, Hard Rock Stadium — 11 July 2026
  • Quarter Final 4 – Kansas City, Arrowhead Stadium — 11 July 2026
  • Semi Final 1 -Dallas (Arlington), AT&T Stadium — 14 July 2026
  • Semi Final 2 – Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium — 15 July 2026
World Cup Final – 19 July 2026

MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just across the river from Manhattan, is an iconic venue perfectly suited for a World Cup Final. With New York as your base, fans can enjoy world-class food, entertainment and sightseeing before heading to one of the USA’s premier stadiums for what promises to be an unforgettable global event.

Direct Flights from the UK

Many host cities have direct services from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin, making travel for the World Cup much more straightforward. Key routes include:

  • New York / New Jersey
  • Boston
  • Miami
  • Dallas
  • Los Angeles
  • Seattle
  • Toronto
Travelling Within the USA
  • Internal flights will be the fastest option between host cities.
  • Travel times vary – for example, Dallas to Boston is roughly a four-hour flight.
  • Pick up a car and drive the famous roads of the USA for a unique travel experience during the World Cup.
  • Rail and coach travel exist, but are slower and less convenient during match windows.

Fans should plan early, taking World Cup travel into account, especially if hoping to attend multiple matches across different regions.

Given the fixture pattern and likely travel demands, some cities make more practical (and fun) bases for many supporters:

  • New York / New Jersey — Great for final England group match, excellent transport links, and a lively city vibe.
  • Boston (Foxborough area) — Convenient for multiple Scotland and England games.
  • Dallas — Practical for England’s opener, but less central for other matches.
  • Miami — Ideal if following Scotland’s final group game or simply wanting a vibrant, sunny base with nightlife and culture.

Each city offers a distinct atmosphere — from big-city buzz to relaxed coastal vibes, allowing fans to tailor their World Cup travel experience to what they want out of the tournament.

Planning Tips for UK Fans

To make the most of the 2026 World Cup travel experience, consider:

  • Booking flights and accommodation early for the best World Cup travel options.
  • Monitoring internal travel options as fixtures approach
  • Staying flexible — distances between games can be significant
  • Allowing time to explore cities between matchdays
Final Thoughts

The 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable experience for England and Scotland fans. With fixtures confirmed and host cities revealed, supporters can now begin shaping their World Cup travel plans and choosing the best places to enjoy the tournament.

Experience First specialises in supporting clients attending major global sporting and entertainment events. We help travellers make sense of the logistics, destinations and opportunities available, ensuring every trip is memorable for the right reasons.

If you would like guidance as you begin shaping your World Cup 2026 plans, our team is here to assist.