William only plans to attend World Cup in United States if England make final
It is understood that Prince William, the patron of the Football Association, does not plan to attend the tournament unless the Three Lions make it all the way to their first World Cup final since 1966
NewsRoyalsPrince WilliamIt is understood that Prince William, the patron of the Football Association, does not plan to attend the tournament unless the Three Lions make it all the way to their first World Cup final since 196614:49, 19 Jun 2026Updated 14:50, 19 Jun 2026PrinceWilliam is only expectedto travel to the US to watch England in the World Cup if they make the final, it is understood. The Prince of Wales, who is known to be a huge football fan, went to several Three Lions games inGermanyduring the Euros in 2024 - England’s last major tournament. He even tookPrince GeorgetoBerlin for the Euros final, where England lost 2-1 toSpain. But it is believed that William will not jet across the Atlantic for any of England’s group games - and will only head to the tournament if they make it all the way to the showpiece match on July 18 at the New YorkNew JerseyStadium - their first World Cup final since 1966. Contrary to reports, it is only if England make the final that the prince would travel out to the tournament - and notScotland, given his role as patron of the EnglishFootballAssociation. Kensington Palace has yet to confirm William’s plans for the World Cup. When England kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win overCroatiaon Wednesday night, William issued a message before the game saying: “Good luck to England ahead of their first World Cup group match tonight! Here's to a great tournament ahead. ”It had been thought that William could have headed Stateside in early July to take in some matches and coincide his trip with July 4 celebrations, which will see America mark 250 years of independence. However, this appears to be unlikely given the delicate nature of current UK-US relations followingDonald Trump’s criticism of Prime MinisterKeir Starmeron theIraqWar. It’s not the first time that William has not attended World Cups with England - having not attendedQatarin 2022 norRussiain 2018, with both tournaments seen as being held in controversial countries. His non-attendance was put down to his busy winter schedule at the end of that year. England only made the quarter-finals but it was understood his office might have looked at making arrangements if the team had reached the final. He also didn’t make it toBrazilin 2014 - althoughPrince Harrydid attend England’s group game against Costa Rica, which ended in a 0-0 draw. In 2023, William came under fire when England’sLionessesmade it to the World Cup final inAustralia- but he did not attend. It was said the prince made the decision not to travel to Sydney because a trip to Australia would involve flying across theworldfor a very short period of time, and that there were other ways he could show support for the team. However, last year he did travel toSwitzerlandwith Princess Charlotte to watch the Lionesses win their second successive Euros title - after beating Spain in a penalty shoot-out in the final. Article continues belowChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. The FAPrince WilliamEngland football teamRoyal Family