FIFA World Cup 2026 Is HERE! ⚽
Watch Your Heroes Play — We’ll Get You to the Airport

The Biggest World Cup in History

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is unlike anything football has seen before. For the first time, the tournament has expanded to 48 teams — up from 32 — packing in a record 104 matches across 39 days, from the opening game on 11 June to the final on 19 July 2026. It is, quite simply, the largest sporting event ever staged.

It is also the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations at once: the United States (with 11 host cities), Mexico (3 cities) and Canada (2 cities). Matches are spread across 16 stadiums and several time zones, turning the whole of North America into one giant football festival.

The tournament kicked off in fitting style with hosts Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June. It all builds to the showpiece final on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, where one of 48 nations will be crowned world champions.

For football fans across the UK, it means one thing: a summer of unmissable matches — and, for the lucky ones, a trip across the Atlantic to see their heroes in the flesh. If that’s you, the very first leg of your journey is getting to the airport on time and stress-free. More on that — and your £5 discount — below.

All 48 Teams & the Complete Group Stage Draw

The final draw, held in Washington D.C. in December 2025, split the 48 qualifiers into 12 groups of four (Groups A to L). The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, progress to a brand-new Round of 32. Here is the full line-up:

Familiar giants headline almost every group — Brazil, Argentina, France, Spain, Germany and Portugal among them — while first-time and returning nations like Cape Verde, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Curaçao and Haiti add fresh storylines. For UK fans, all eyes are on Group L, where England begin their campaign.

England’s World Cup Journey — Fixtures, Dates & What to Expect

Under manager Thomas Tuchel and captain Harry Kane, England head into the 2026 World Cup carrying the hopes of a nation still waiting to win the trophy since 1966. Drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama, the Three Lions have a winnable group — but a familiar weight of expectation.

England’s Group L Fixtures (UK times)

The Squad: Who’s Going?

Tuchel’s squad blends established stars with in-form talent. Key names to watch include:

• Harry Kane — captain, England’s all-time top scorer and the Premier League’s record marksman.
• Jude Bellingham — the creative heartbeat of the side and a Real Madrid superstar.
• Bukayo Saka — Arsenal’s electric winger and one of England’s biggest goal threats.
• Declan Rice — the engine in midfield, dictating tempo and breaking up play.
• Marcus Rashford, Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Marc Guéhi round out a strong spine.

Notable absentees include Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold — a reminder of just how deep England’s talent pool now runs. Whether 2026 is finally the year the long wait ends, the whole country will be watching.

Star Players to Watch at the 2026 World Cup

From two legends chasing one last glory to the next generation announcing themselves on the biggest stage, here are the players who could define the tournament:

All 16 Host Venues — Where History Will Be Made

Sixteen stadiums across three countries will stage the 104 matches. From the historic Estadio Azteca to the gleaming SoFi Stadium, here is where it all happens:

Complete Tournament Timeline & Key Dates

• 11 June 2026 — Tournament opensMexico 2-0 South Africa, Estadio Azteca
• 11–27 June — Group Stage96 matches across the 12 groups (A–L)
• 28 June onwards — Round of 32The new knockout round in the 48-team format begins
• Early July — Round of 16The field narrows to the last 16
• Quarter-FinalsThe final eight battle for a semi-final place
• Semi-FinalsTwo matches decide the finalists
• 19 July 2026 — THE FINALMetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey

Results So Far 🔴 LIVE

The opening days have already delivered drama. Here’s how the tournament has unfolded so far — we’ll keep this section updated as the World Cup progresses!

Why You Need a Reliable Airport Transfer for the World Cup

Catching a World Cup flight to the USA, Mexico or Canada usually means a long-haul departure from Heathrow or Gatwick — often at unsociable hours. Miss that flight and your whole trip is at risk. This is exactly where a pre-booked, fixed-price airport transfer earns its place.

Here’s why thousands of travellers across Hertfordshire and North West London choose Rapid Airport Transfers for their Heathrow airport transfer and Gatwick airport transfer needs:

• Fixed-price fares — no surge pricing. Unlike app-based taxis, your price is locked at booking. No 6am or post-match surge, ever.
• Free flight monitoring. We track your flight in real time. If it’s delayed or rescheduled, we adjust automatically — with 45 minutes of free waiting time from your actual landing on the return leg.
• Free Meet & Greet. Your driver meets you in arrivals, helps with the bags, and walks you to the car. No hunting for a rank after a 10-hour flight.
• Professional, vetted drivers. Every driver holds a PHV licence and an enhanced DBS check, in vehicles under five years old.
• Vehicle options for every group. Saloons for solo travellers, executive Mercedes and BMW for comfort, and MPVs and minibuses for groups of fans travelling together with kit and flags.
• 24/7 availability, 365 days a year. No holiday surcharge — fixed fares apply year-round.

We serve Watford, St Albans, Rickmansworth, Hemel Hempstead and the wider Hertfordshire area to all London airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and London City.

Travel Tips for UK Fans Flying to the World Cup

Choosing your airport

Heathrow offers the widest choice of direct flights to US World Cup cities like New York, Dallas, Boston, Houston and Los Angeles, making a smooth Heathrow airport transfer the natural first step for most fans. Gatwick is strong for some transatlantic and charter routes — see our Gatwick transfers page.

ESTA & entry requirements

UK passport holders travelling to the USA need an approved ESTA before departure — apply well in advance via the official US government site. Canada requires an eTA, and Mexico has its own entry rules. Always check the latest requirements on GOV.UK travel advice before you fly.

Time zones

Remember the gap between BST and North American zones: Eastern Time (New York, Boston, Toronto) is 5 hours behind the UK, Central Time (Dallas, Houston, Mexico City) is 6 hours behind, and Pacific Time (Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver) is 8 hours behind. Plan kick-off viewing and your sleep accordingly.

What to pack

A North American summer means heat and humidity — pack light, breathable clothing, high-factor sun cream and a refillable water bottle for the stadiums. Bring your team shirt, of course, and a portable charger for long match days.

Book early — flights and transfers

Demand spikes around England’s fixtures and the knockout rounds, so lock in flights and accommodation as early as you can. The same goes for your airport transfer: book ahead to guarantee the vehicle and fix your price. You can get an instant quote here in about 30 seconds.

Insurance & local transport

Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical costs in North America (healthcare is expensive in the USA). At the venues, use official park-and-ride and public transit options — most host cities lay on extra services on match days.

Frequently Asked Questions