For the first time since 1966, the Three Lions arrive at a World Cup with genuine hope and a world-class manager at the helm. Under Thomas Tuchel, who took charge in January 2025, England completed their qualifying campaign with a historic perfect record, winning all eight matches without conceding a single goal, the first European nation ever to achieve such a feat in World Cup qualifying.
For an Indian fan, travelling to watch England is more than a trip; it’s a pilgrimage to witness football heritage. Whether you want to see Harry Kane lead the line under Tuchel’s tactics or witness the next chapter in England’s quest to end 60 years of hurt since 1966, this journey requires precision planning. This guide takes you from your living room in India to the stands in North America. covering tickets, visas, flights, and the specific logistics of following the Three Lions.
Step 1: Fix Your Basic Plan
Before you book a single flight, you need a strategy. The 2026 World Cup is massive, spread across three countries, and following a specific team requires careful targeting.
- Target the Right City: As a Pot 1 (Seeded) team, England will be the head of their group. FIFA’s new “cluster” system means their group stage matches will likely be concentrated in a specific region (e.g., West Coast USA, East Coast, or Mexico) to reduce travel. Wait for the December 5 draw to confirm their group base before booking accommodation.
- Choose Your Round:
- Group Stage: The safest bet. You are guaranteed to see them play three times.
- Knockouts: High risk, high reward. England is currently ranked 4th in the world with 1834.12 points, and expectations are high under Tuchel’s leadership, but knockout tickets are significantly more expensive and harder to secure.
Set a Rough Budget: Following a top-tier team is expensive due to high ticket demand. Accommodation costs in the US are brutal. Travelling with 2-3 friends can slash your lodging expenses by 50% compared to going solo.
Step 2: Tickets
The “Three Lions Effect” & Dynamic Pricing:
FIFA has introduced dynamic pricing for the first time, meaning ticket costs fluctuate based on demand. England are one of eight nations to have won the World Cup, achieving this as hosts in 1966, and their massive global fanbase means tickets will be in extremely high demand.
- Base Prices vs. Reality: While “official” prices start lower, expect England group stage matches to surge immediately.
- Category 1 (Best view): Officially $410–$620, but demand could push this significantly higher.
- Category 2 (Mid-tier): $260–$465.
- Category 3 (Upper tier): $120–$215.
- Category 4 (Cheapest): Starts at $60–$140, but these will sell out quickly for England games.
- Resale Warning: On resale platforms, tickets for England games could easily start above $500–$700for even the cheapest seats.
How to book: Create a free FIFA account on FIFA.com/tickets. The third phase of ticket sales begins December 11, 2025, allowing fans to apply for specific matches after the group draw on December 5.
Critical Strategy: If you have already applied for “England” via the Participating Member Association (PMA) portal through the FA, then you have the first-mover advantage. This allocates tickets specifically reserved for English fans, separating you from the general public pool.
Step 3: Visa
Since there are three host countries, you must navigate three different immigration systems. Start with the US Visa, as it simplifies entry to Mexico.
- United States (The Hub)
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- Visa and Fee: B-1/B-2 (Tourist). Currently, the processing fee is $185 or roughly ₹15,500–₹16,000. From 2026 onwards, a new non-refundable Visa Integrity Fee of $250 will apply for Indian applicants, taking the total to around $435, i.e. roughly ₹36,500–₹37,000for a 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa.
- Wait Time: FIFA has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), which gives official World Cup 2026 ticket holders access to prioritised US visa interview appointments for non-immigrant visas like B1/B2. So expect the processing period to be around 5-7 months. So, hurry up with the US Visa.
- You can get your US Visa application done hassle-free with Atlys by clicking here.
- Canada (The Separate Process)
- Visa and Fee: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV). The standard visitor visa fee is CAD 100 per person, which is approximately ₹6,000-₹6,200, plus a biometrics fee of CAD 85 (about ₹5,100-₹5,300), taking the total to around CAD 185 or roughly ₹11,000-₹11,500 per traveller.
- No “Fan ID” Waiver: Canada has confirmed standard immigration rules apply, no visa waivers for ticket holders.
- Processing Time: Currently takes ~50-60 daysfor Indians. Apply for this after your US visa is secured, or concurrently if you have the funds.
Key Documents Required during processing:
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Recent 2×2 inch passport-sized Photos
- Completed Visa Application Form (DS-160 for USA and IMM 5257 for Canada)
- Proof of Funds (Bank Statements, ITR)
- Travel Itinerary & Bookings details
- Ties to India (Property / Family Documents)
Step 4: Travel
Major departure points include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Flights from Delhi/Mumbai to New York (JFK) or San Francisco (SFO) are typically cheaper (₹75k–₹85K return) than flying directly to Canada or Mexico.
Current flight costs (one-way from India to the US):
- Mumbai/Delhi to New York: Starting ₹35,000–₹40,000
- Mumbai to San Francisco: Starting ₹34,500
- Delhi to Seattle: Starting ₹32,000
Most India-US flights involve one or two stops via Middle Eastern hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or European cities.
Booking tips: Book 4-6 months in advance for the best rates, and consider flying mid-week (Tuesday–Wednesday) for lower fares. Avoid booking non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved. Book a “Multi-City” flight (e.g., Delhi -> New York, Vancouver -> Delhi) to save time on backtracking.
Step 5: Internal Travel
Distances in North America are massive. A train from New York to Mexico City would take days.
- Between Countries: Flying Budget airlines like Southwest (US), Volaris (Mexico), and WestJet (Canada) are your best bets.
- Within Countries:
- USA: Domestic flights are best for covering large distances quickly. Budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier offer affordable fares. Bus services like Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus offer routes between major cities starting from $13–$25. An Amtrak Rail Pass for 30 days can cost around $299 during sales period.
- Canada: Excellent public transit with affordable cost around $5 to $10 (TTC in Toronto, SkyTrain in Vancouver).
- Mexico: Mexico City Metro is cheap (around $1 to $2) and efficient; Uber is safe and affordable (around $4 to $5).
Some host cities may offer free public transport on matchday for ticket holders. Verify this closer to the tournament once specific city policies are announced.
Step 6: Accommodations
Choose your base location strategically, near the stadium, city center, or close to public transport hubs. During the World Cup, accommodation prices surge significantly, so book early.
Accommodation types:
- Hotels: Reliable with included amenities (breakfast, cleaning, concierge). Budget hotels start around ₹5,000-₹8,000/night; mid-range ₹10,000-₹15,000/night; luxury ₹20,000+/night.
- Airbnb/Vacation rentals: Better for groups and longer stays with kitchen facilities. Watch for hidden fees (cleaning, service charges).
- Hostels: Budget-friendly for solo travellers, offering shared dormitory options.
How to book: Use Booking.com, Hotels.com, Airbnb, or official World Cup hotel partners like Crewfare, which holds exclusive inventory for fans. Some host cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Miami, have partnered with booking platforms offering official World Cup discounts.
Step 7: International Currency, Insurance, and Connectivity
- Currency: You will need three currencies: USD (USA), CAD (Canada), and MXN (Mexico). Carry a multi-currency Forex card (like Niyo or BookMyForex) to avoid high swap fees.
- Connectivity: Do not buy three separate SIMs. Buy a North America Regional eSIM (via Airalo or Nomad) that works seamlessly across the US, Canada, and Mexico for a single price.
- Travel and Health insurance: Highly recommended, given the expensive US healthcare costs. Comprehensive plans covering medical emergencies ($100,000-$500,000), trip cancellation, baggage loss, and evacuation start from ₹1,100-₹2,500for 15-day coverage. Purchase through providers like TATA AIG, HDFC ERGO, or ICICI Lombard.
England’s World Cup Legacy: “It’s Coming Home”
England’s best performance is winning the cup as the host nation in 1966; they also finished in fourth place in 1990 in Italy, and in 2018 in Russia. Since that golden summer of ’66, England has been on a quest to reclaim football’s greatest prize. The phrase “It’s Coming Home” has become synonymous with England’s World Cup campaigns, originating from the anthem “Three Lions” during Euro 96.
Under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance, England qualified flawlessly, a testament to tactical discipline and squad depth. England maintains fourth position despite a challenging period under new manager Thomas Tuchel. The team is currently qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. With world-class talent including Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, the Three Lions enter the tournament as genuine contenders.
The Cultural Significance: For England fans, the World Cup represents more than football. It’s about community, hope, and the dream of finally bringing the trophy home after six decades of near-misses, heartbreaks, and penalty shootout defeats. Watching England live in North America offers Indian fans a chance to be part of this historic journey.
Summary Checklist
- Fix your plan: Choose host city, target round, set budget
- Book tickets: Create a FIFA account, apply during ticket phases
- Apply for visa: Complete DS-160/IMM 5257, schedule interview 5-6 months early
- Book flights: 4-6 months in advance for best rates
- Plan internal travel: Research domestic flights, trains, buses
- Book accommodation: Early booking is essential for competitive rates
- Prepare finances & connectivity: Forex cards, eSIM, travel insurance
How Much Would It Cost to Watch England at the World Cup from India?
| Expense Category | Mid-Range Budget (INR / USD) |
| Match Ticket (Group Stage) | ₹32,000 – ₹40,000 / $400 – $500 |
| US and Canada Visa (2026 fees) | ₹50,500 / $565 |
| Return Flights | ₹80,000 – ₹95,000 / $950 – $1,150 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | ₹70,000 – ₹85,000 / $850 – $1,000 |
| Internal Travel | ₹24,000 – ₹32,000 / $300 – $400 |
| Food & Miscellaneous (7 days) | ₹28,000 – ₹36,000 / $350 – $450 |
| Travel Insurance | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 / $18 – $30 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹2,86,000 – ₹3,41,000 / $3,500 – $4,100 |
Note: Total Cost includes just a single match ticket price. In case of multiple matches, multiply the match tickets cost as per your booking.
FAQs
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory for US travel?
While not mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance is highly recommended due to extremely expensive healthcare costs in the US.
Q: Do I need a visa for Mexico if I have a U.S. visa?
No, Indians with a valid US visa can enter Mexico visa-free for tourism.
Q: Can I drive between the US and Canada?
Yes, but border crossings can take hours during the World Cup. Flying is recommended between match cities.
Q: When should I apply for my Canada/US Visa?
Apply at least 5-6 months before travel (around Dec’25 – Jan’26). Do not wait until the last minute, as processing times may surge. Also, the Visa fee for the USA increases from 2026, so hurry up to save the cost.
Q: Where will England play their group matches?
As a Pot 1 team, England will be assigned a specific group seed. The confirmed schedule drops on December 6, 2025. England is among the world’s top four-ranked sides, who will be kept apart until the semi-final stage at the earliest, meaning if they win their group, they’re guaranteed not to face Spain, Argentina, or France until the semifinals, a significant advantage in their quest to bring it home.
Q: What makes this World Cup special for England fans?
This is potentially the Three Lions’ best chance in decades. With a historic qualifying campaign, a proven world-class manager in Tuchel, and a golden generation of talent, England arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of the genuine favourites. For Indian fans making this pilgrimage, you could witness history, the moment “It’s Coming Home” becomes reality.
