Prince William is anticipated to visit the United States solely if England reaches the World Cup final, sources indicate. Known for his passion for football, the Prince of Wales attended multiple Three Lions matches in Germany during the 2024 Euros, even taking Prince George to Berlin for the final where England faced Spain.
It is reported that William will not attend any of England’s group stage matches but may consider traveling to the US only if they reach the final on July 18 at the New Jersey Stadium. This would mark England’s first World Cup final appearance since 1966.
Speculations suggest that Prince William’s attendance at the tournament hinges on England’s success in reaching the final, considering his affiliation as patron of the English Football Association. Kensington Palace has yet to confirm William’s itinerary for the World Cup.
Although initial reports hinted at a possible trip for some matches and to coincide with July 4 celebrations in the US, current UK-US relations, strained by Donald Trump’s criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer concerning the Iraq War, make this scenario improbable.
Prince William has previously missed attending World Cups in controversial countries such as Qatar in 2022 and Russia in 2018 due to scheduling conflicts. Despite England’s quarter-final finish in 2018, arrangements for his attendance were reportedly considered had the team progressed further.
In past tournaments, William also did not attend the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, although Prince Harry was present at one of England’s group matches against Costa Rica. Notably, in 2023, despite England’s Lionesses reaching the World Cup final in Australia, William opted not to travel, citing the brevity of the trip and alternative ways to support the team.
However, in the previous year, he traveled to Switzerland with Princess Charlotte to witness the Lionesses clinch their second consecutive Euros title. Prince William’s presence at the upcoming World Cup remains uncertain, pending England’s performance in the tournament.