The fixtures are set, and for the first time in 28 years, both England and Scotland will compete in the same men's football World Cup. The 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026, will see both home nations play all their group stage matches on American soil. For thousands of travelling supporters, the planning starts now, with flights, accommodation, and visas at the top of a daunting checklist.
Fixture Details and the Heat Challenge
Gareth Southgate's England side will begin their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 15 June, where average highs soar to a sweltering 33C. They then face Ghana in Boston on 20 June, before concluding the group stage against Panama in New York on 27 June.
Scotland, marking their long-awaited return, will play their first two matches in Boston on 16 and 21 June. Their final group game, a daunting clash with Brazil, takes place in Miami on 26 June, where players and fans must contend with 31C heat and high humidity.
Navigating Travel and Soaring Costs
The immediate priority for all fans is paperwork. Securing an ESTA travel authorisation is essential. This $40 (£31) permit is typically granted within days, but a refusal necessitates a full visa application at the US Embassy in London or Consulate in Belfast—a process that is slow, expensive, and offers no guarantee.
Once approved, the hunt for flights begins. Prices surged within hours of the fixture announcement. For example, a return trip from London Heathrow to Dallas, returning from New York after England's group matches, jumped from £837 to nearly £1,000 in just three hours. Costs can be mitigated by considering connecting flights via Ireland or European hubs, especially for fans departing from airports outside London.
Internal US Travel and Accommodation Shock
Moving between host cities presents another hurdle. While domestic flights are plentiful, demand will inflate prices. A one-way ticket from Boston to Miami immediately after Scotland's second game currently costs around £322. Train travel, such as the Amtrak service between Boston and New York, is surprisingly expensive at roughly £175 for the four-hour journey, making coach services like Greyhound a more budget-friendly alternative at approximately £25.
Accommodation prices, particularly for England's match in New York, are already eye-watering. A night at a budget Holiday Inn Express in midtown Manhattan on 27 June is over £500. More affordable options may be found in other boroughs, but fans are advised to be patient. Historical patterns for major events suggest that early sky-high rates often fall closer to the tournament as supply increases, including more Airbnb listings.
Making the Most of Your Football Holiday
With days between matches, fans should view this as a holiday with football attached. Boston offers rich history, while the journey from Dallas to Boston or Boston to Miami presents a classic American road trip opportunity. Routes could include the music scenes of Tennessee or the East Coast attractions along the I-95 highway towards Florida.
For neutral supporters seeking tickets and atmosphere, targeting matches with fewer travelling fans—such as Curacao v Ivory Coast in Philadelphia or Iran v New Zealand in Los Angeles—could improve chances and offer a different tournament experience.
The message for England and Scotland fans is clear: start your preparations early, budget for significant expense, and prepare for an unforgettable, if challenging, transatlantic football adventure.
