Last reviewed: 11 June 2026
TL;DR- England vs Costa Rica is a FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage fixture
- UK fans travelling to the USA need a valid ESTA ($21) or US visa
- Travel insurance covering sports events and medical evacuation is strongly advised
- Best rates: use a fee-free travel card (Starling, Chase, Wise) rather than airport bureau
- Budget: flights from £600, hotels from £150/night near stadiums in peak World Cup period
The Fixture and Where It Is Played
England face Costa Rica in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. The tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with most England group games scheduled at venues across the United States. UK fans attending need to plan around US entry requirements, costs considerably higher than European tournament travel, and the time zone difference for those watching at home.
Entry Requirements for UK Fans
British citizens travelling to the United States require either a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a US visa. ESTA costs $21, is applied for online via the official US Customs and Border Protection website, and is valid for two years or until the passport expires. Applications are usually processed within 72 hours but can be instant. Apply well before travel as processing times can extend during high-demand periods such as a major tournament.
UK fans with certain criminal convictions, prior visa refusals, or who have travelled to specific countries are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a B-2 visitor visa at a US embassy. Visa appointments in London have historically faced long wait times; book as early as possible.
Travel Money for the USA
The US dollar is the currency for all fixtures held in the United States. Airport bureau de change rates are typically 5 to 8 percent worse than the interbank rate. Fee-free travel debit cards from providers including Starling Bank, Chase UK and Wise offer close to the real exchange rate with no foreign transaction fees. Withdrawing cash from US ATMs with these cards typically incurs only the ATM operator fee, usually $3 to $5 per withdrawal.
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, including some from Halifax, Barclaycard and specialist travel cards, offer similar rates and the added protection of Section 75 for purchases over £100. Inform your card provider before travelling to avoid blocks on overseas transactions.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for the United States is strongly advised given the cost of US healthcare. A single night in a US hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Policies should include medical cover of at least £1 million, medical evacuation, trip cancellation and baggage. Some standard annual travel policies exclude the USA or apply sub-limits; check the policy schedule before relying on existing cover.
Fans attending matches should confirm the policy covers attendance at large sporting events. Some policies exclude injuries sustained in crowd situations; read the exclusions carefully. Specialist sports travel insurers may offer broader cover for event attendance.
Costs to Budget
Return flights from UK airports to major US World Cup cities (New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami) are ranging from approximately £600 to £1,200 in economy during the tournament period, higher than typical. Hotels near stadiums are commanding significant premiums; rates of £150 to £400 per night are common in host cities during match weeks. FIFA match tickets for group stage fixtures have ranged from $100 to $300 face value, though secondary market prices are significantly higher.
Watching From Home
For UK fans watching from home, England World Cup fixtures are being broadcast on ITV and the ITVX streaming platform, free to air. Match kick-off times vary due to US time zones; evening fixtures in the eastern US are typically midnight to 1am UK time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK fans need a visa to attend the World Cup in the USA?
Most UK passport holders qualify for ESTA rather than a full visa. ESTA costs $21, is applied for online and is valid for two years. Those with certain criminal records or prior visa issues must apply for a B-2 visa instead.
What is the best way to take money to the USA for the World Cup?
Fee-free travel debit cards such as Starling, Chase UK or Wise offer close to the real exchange rate with no foreign transaction fees and are widely regarded as the most cost-effective option for spending abroad.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the World Cup in the USA?
Travel insurance is not legally required but is strongly advisable given the high cost of US healthcare. Policies should include at least £1 million medical cover and confirm coverage for large sporting events.
