Last reviewed: 11 June 2026
TL;DR- England face Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage
- The fixture is held in the United States; UK fans need ESTA ($21) or a US visa
- Use a fee-free travel card for US dollar spending to avoid bureau de change losses
- Travel insurance with £1m+ medical cover is strongly advised for US travel
- England vs Croatia was a defining Euro 2020 fixture; expect high demand for tickets
The Fixture
England and Croatia meet again at a major tournament, this time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America. The two sides have history at major tournaments: England beat Croatia 2-1 in their Euro 2020 group opener at Wembley and Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in extra time. The group stage fixture at World Cup 2026 is among the most anticipated for UK supporters.
Getting to the USA
UK passport holders travelling to World Cup fixtures in the United States require either an approved ESTA or a US B-2 visitor visa. ESTA is the simpler route for most travellers: it costs $21, is applied for at the official CBP website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) and is valid for two years. Applications should be made well before travel. Travellers with certain criminal convictions or prior US visa refusals are not ESTA-eligible and must apply via the embassy.
Flights from UK airports to major World Cup host cities vary. New York (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) and Dallas (AT&T Stadium) are among the primary venues. Return economy fares during the tournament period are running from approximately £600 to over £1,200 depending on route and timing.
Travel Money
All US-based fixtures use US dollars. Fee-free travel debit cards remain the most cost-effective way to spend abroad, with providers including Starling Bank, Chase UK and Wise offering rates close to the interbank exchange rate and no foreign transaction fees. Airport and hotel bureau de change typically add 5 to 8 percent to the cost of conversion. Withdrawing cash from US ATMs with fee-free cards usually incurs only the machine operator fee of $3 to $5.
Travel Insurance
US healthcare costs are among the highest in the world. A single emergency room visit can cost several thousand dollars; serious illness or injury requiring hospitalisation can run to hundreds of thousands. Travel insurance for any US trip should include medical cover of at least £1 million and medical evacuation cover. Check whether existing annual travel policies cover the USA, as some impose sub-limits or exclude the United States entirely. Policies should also confirm coverage for attendance at large sporting events.
Watching at Home
ITV holds free-to-air broadcast rights for England World Cup fixtures in the UK. Matches are streamed free on the ITVX platform. Kick-off times for US evening fixtures fall in the early hours UK time; the England vs Croatia fixture time will be confirmed by FIFA closer to the date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is England vs Croatia being played at World Cup 2026?
The fixture is in the United States as part of the group stage of FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. The specific stadium will be confirmed in FIFA scheduling updates.
How do I get the best exchange rate for US dollars?
Fee-free travel debit cards from providers such as Starling, Chase UK or Wise offer rates close to the interbank rate with no foreign transaction fees, making them significantly cheaper than airport bureaux or hotel cashiers.
What travel insurance do I need for the World Cup in the USA?
A policy covering at least £1 million in medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellation and personal belongings. Confirm the policy covers attendance at large sporting events and does not exclude the United States.
