Prince William only plans to attend World Cup in United States if England make final

Prince William, the Prince of Wales and president of the Football Association, has indicated that he will only attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup if England or Scotland reach the final. This decision reportedly stems from a desire to avoid potential diplomatic tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose political influence remains significant despite his recent electoral defeat. The World Cup is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final set to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

According to insiders, William is not planning to attend any of England’s group stage matches or earlier rounds of the tournament. His presence would be contingent solely on whether the national team progresses to the final. If England or Scotland achieve this milestone, he is expected to travel to the host nation to witness the climactic match. However, if neither team advances beyond the semifinals, he will remain in the United Kingdom, supporting the squad from afar. This approach aligns with previous patterns, as William has historically avoided attending World Cup matches unless the team reaches the latter stages of the competition.

The decision to limit his attendance is partly influenced by the current geopolitical climate between the United Kingdom and the United States. Relations have been strained due to ongoing disputes involving foreign policy, including the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and Trump’s public criticisms of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the Iraq War. The Royal Household is keen to avoid any high-profile encounters between William and Trump, especially considering the efforts made by King Charles III during his recent state visit to the U.S. in April to mend ties with the former president.

William’s interest in the World Cup has been evident in past tournaments, though his attendance has varied depending on the circumstances. In 2024, he traveled to Germany for the European Championship, watching several matches in person, including the final in Berlin, where England lost to Spain. For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2018 edition in Russia, he opted not to attend, citing personal commitments and the controversial nature of the host countries. Similarly, he missed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, though his younger brother, Prince Harry, did travel to watch England’s group match against Costa Rica.

The absence of senior members of the British royal family at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Australia sparked debate, particularly after William chose not to attend despite England’s Lionesses reaching the final. At the time, it was suggested that his decision was based on logistical considerations rather than a lack of interest in the team’s performance. However, he did make an appearance at the 2023 UEFA Women’s Euros in Switzerland, where England won the championship.

If England qualifies for the final, William is likely to make the journey to the United States, possibly arriving in early July to coincide with the country’s bicentennial celebrations on July 4. This timing would allow him to observe the team’s progress through the tournament while also participating in the festivities. However, the possibility of such a trip remains uncertain, given the complex international dynamics currently affecting U.K.-U.S. relations.

William’s decision reflects a broader pattern of selective engagement with international sporting events, often prioritizing the success of the national team over personal appearances. While he has shown consistent support for England’s footballing endeavors, his attendance at major tournaments has been dictated by both practical and strategic considerations. As the World Cup unfolds, the focus will shift to how the team performs in its group stage matches and whether they can advance to the final, ultimately determining whether William will make the trip across the Atlantic.