England’s World Cup group games will see Thomas Tuchel’s side play in three different cities. Dallas, Boston and New York play host to the tournament-chasing Three Lions, offering fans the chance to build a once-in-a-lifetime road trip.
Stop 1: Dallas, Texas
England vs Croatia, AT&T Stadium, 17 June, ko 3pm
The City
Dallas is renowned for being the city where former American president John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Now, it’s one of the most ready-made cities for the World Cup, with a bustling sports scene and various cultural landmarks. However, due to its size and limited public transportation, hiring a car would be a very smart decision.
Things to do
Fort Worth Stockyards
Fort Worth Stockyards is an all-encompassing, eye-catching 98-acre National Historic District about 30 miles west of Dallas that provides the most authentic and immersive experience of the region’s Wild West heritage. It almost feels like a time machine as you get to feel like a cowboy who would roam the area from the previous century. From Dallas, it can take up to an hour drive, or the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) Train can transport you to the T&P Station in Fort Worth, before a quick bus journey to the unmissable Stockyards.
Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is a famous neighbourhood in Dallas, renowned as the city’s distinct hub of entertainment, arts and nightlife. It’s made for people seeking a lively, sociable vibe and features a historic music scene as the birthplace of Dallas blues and jazz. Gigs at deep-rooted, cultural institutions are aplenty.
Reunion Tower
If you want a shorter, more centrally located attraction, then visit the Reunion Tower. Known by locals as “The Ball”, this tower offers breathtaking views of Dallas’ skyline from 470 feet up. Completed in 1978 as part of an urban redevelopment project in the city, the observation tower in the Reunion district of downtown Dallas remains an absolute must-visit for any tourists or football fans.
What Visitors Should Know
Of the 16 host cities, Dallas is predicted to be the hottest venue at the World Cup, with the average soaring above 32°C over the course of the tournament. Regarding transport, the main system in the city is the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), a 93-mile-long rail service with multiple lines. There is also the TRE, which runs between Dallas, Fort Worth and the airport.
Where England Fans Will Gather
Dallas boasts a mouthwatering food culture, which includes its slow-smoked Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex cuisine and high-end steakhouses. Happiest Hour, Mayer’s Garden, Cosm Dallas and Blackfriar Pub are some excellent drinking spots in the city, while some more football-focused venues are Peticolas Brewing, the City Tavern, Harwood Arms, The Londoner and The Old Monk. The FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas is free admission and will be open for 34 days to the public during the tournament. Live match broadcasts will take place across two festival stages, with the fan park welcoming supporters of all nationalities and backgrounds to create a welcoming atmosphere
Getting from Dallas to Boston
Flying is the quickest and most convenient method. Daily, direct flights from either Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Boston Logan International Airport take around four hours and typically cost between $100 and $350 depending on the date and how far you book in advance. You will need to bear in mind that Dallas operates by Central Daylight Time, while Boston is on Eastern Daylight Time, which is one hour ahead. However, this small difference will hardly be noticeable to your body clock.
Stop Two: Boston, Massachusetts
England vs Ghana, Gillette Stadium, 23 June, ko 4pm
The City: Why Boston Is Different
Compared to the overwhelming size and business of Dallas, Boston is a far smaller, more walkable city with more commutable and sturdy transport links. Similarly to Dallas, it is also very culturally significant, just for very different reasons. Boston has a historic core and is known for being a key part of the American Revolution. This took place across the Thirteen British Colonies, which stretched along the east coast from New Hampshire, then to Massachusetts and all the way down to Georgia. Boston’s iconic waterfront also features an array of museums and galleries. It’s also a hub of medical and scientific evolution, as well as higher education, hosting the world-renowned Harvard University and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Boston is a lot more expensive, with housing prices and living costs significantly higher due to its smaller, more specialist reputation.
Things to do
Freedom Trail
An absolute must for anyone visiting Boston. The 2.5-mile red-brick walking path allows you to visit 16 sites connected to the American Revolution and explore over 250 years' worth of American history. Some of the stops on the tour include Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, King’s Chapel & Burying Ground, Boston Latin School, and the Site of the Boston Massacre. This can be spread out across a couple of hours or over a long weekend; it is completely up to you.
Fenway Park
Opened in 1873, it is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and home to the Red Sox. It features the “Green Monster”, its famous left-field wall, which was painted green in 1947 and is located just 310 feet from the home plate and flaunts a manually operated scoreboard, making it one of the most recognisable landmarks in MLB.
Boston Common
Founded in 1634, this glorious, green setting is America’s oldest park in downtown Boston, covering over 50 acres of land and is bordered by five major streets, including Tremont, Park, Beacon, Charles and Boylston Street. Its central location and rich history make it an accessible and interesting attraction.
North End
Boston’s “Little Italy.” Its waterfront location, transatlantic commerce and access to the city’s downtown have seen Italian culture thrive here since the 1860s into the vibrant, distinctive area that it is today. As the city’s oldest residential community, it also forms part of the Freedom Trail sites and offers a revealing glimpse into Italian-American heritage.
Getting from Boston to New York
Just over 200 miles separates Boston and New York, making train travel an affordable and sensible option. The Amtrak Northeast Regional is the cheapest, most popular and readily available train option, which completes the journey and takes around four hours, costing anywhere between $20 and $300 for a one-way ticket, depending on your organisational skills and how far you book in advance.
Stop Three: New York, New York State
England vs Panama, MetLife Stadium, 27 June, ko 5pm
England’s World Cup journey arrives on the biggest stage. The Three Lions would like to return here on July 19, when MetLife Stadium hosts the tournament’s final.
Things To Do
Manhattan landmarks
The nucleus of New York, brimming with a selection of the world’s most well-known and famous landmarks, including Central Park, the Empire State Building and Times Square. These attractions are unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, even more so during a World Cup.
Brooklyn Bridge
Spanning the East River and providing the first fixed crossing between Manhattan and Brooklyn, this bridge is an indispensable component of New York.
Staten Island Ferry
The perfect method to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline, this 24/7, free ferry service offers a breathtaking 25-minute ride across the Upper New York Bay. You don’t even need a ticket, just hop on. Spanning 5.2 miles between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, it will give you unrivalled insight into the city.
Matchday logistics: How To Get To The Stadium
First things first, the stadium is in New Jersey, just less than 10 miles west of Manhattan, and you should aim to get to the ground as early as you can to avoid delays amid the large crowds.
New Jersey Transit have set round-trip fares from New York Penn Station and MetLife Stadium to $98 for ticketholders on matchday, with the rail service beginning four hours before kick-off. Riders coming from stations other than New York Penn must connect to stadium trains at Hoboken Terminal, but have to pass through Secaucus Junction on their way back.
Official World Cup shuttle buses, running from three spots in Manhattan and one park-and-ride location in New Jersey, will also be available to take fans to and from the stadium. Tickets are much cheaper at $20 and must be purchased in advance, however, although it’s an 18-mile round trip, be prepared for potentially gridlocked traffic.
Ten Days, Three Cities, Endless Memories
Visiting these three cities that offer the full American experience in just 10 days is a fast-paced and unforgettable way to begin your World Cup journey as fans. For England supporters lucky enough to follow the team from Dallas to Boston and then on to New York, the tournament offers more than football. It offers a chance to experience the scale, diversity and character of a country that was built for making life-changing memories.