Why we haven’t seen Prince William cheering England on at the World Cup
When England took on Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, there was one notable absence from the crowd. The future King of England, an unabashed football fan, did not make the trip to Atlanta, Georgia, to cheer on his national team.
In fact, while members of other royal families jetted into North America and Mexico to watch their teams play during the tournament, the British royals, and Prince William in particular, has stayed away. While the palace has shared a simple explanation, one royal commentator has another theory.
Longtime football fan Prince William has been a no-show during the FIFA World Cup. Getty
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Philippe of Belgium, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, and King Abdullah of Jordan are among the royals who’ve been seen supporting their countries at the World Cup.
The Prince of Wales had been a notable no-show, despite being a longtime football fan. So why did he stay away?
During his recent appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, William was asked if he would head to the states should England reach the final. “Definitely. If we’re in the finals,” he replied.
This was confirmed overnight by Buckingham Palace, which told US media outlet Politico, “The Prince of Wales will only attend the World Cup if England make it to the final”.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams offered another explanation, telling website Celebrity Intelligence he believes the reason was twofold. First, William and Catherine are known to put family first.
“They give priority, wherever possible, to bringing up a family,” he said.
According to Fitzwilliams, they travel, where necessary, to support causes close to their hearts, such as the Earthshot Prize and others run through their Royal Foundation − he supports programs tackling homelessness and mental health, while she is passionate about early childhood, hence her trip to Italy this year.
Beyond that, they keep overseas travel to a minimum.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit to the US was deemed a success. WireImage
Then there is the added problem such a trip to the US would bring.
“If Prince William did visit the US, it would almost certainly involve meeting President Trump,” Fitzwilliams claimed.
Coming so soon after his father’s official state visit to the US in April, William would not want to take the gloss off that trip, which was deemed a success.
“Royalty has to be used sparingly. Handling this with care gives it a special cachet.”
William’s love of football began at school.
William is known to be animated when cheering on his football teams. Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
William even took Princess Charlotte to watch the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final. Getty
With no other family members to share his passion with − he revealed on the New Heights podcast his father King Charles “hates football” − it was left to him to find his own team to support, and he settled on English Premier League side Aston Villa.
His animated support at their matches is now legendary.
William is also a proud supporter of the England national team, and is the royal patron and former president of England’s Football Association.
He often sends his support to England’s teams before big matches, and has in the past attended important matches, such as opening games of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
William was also in attendance to cheer on England at the UEFA European Championships in 2024 and 2020 and supported England’s women’s team, the Lionesses, at their group match held in Switzerland and the final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
With England losing to Argentina this morning (AEST), that trip to New York for the World Cup final on July 19 is now off the cards.
“Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you,” the prince wrote on social media after the game.
“Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all.
“The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”
Family comes first for the Wales family, even when the World Cup is on. Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales
England is not out of the World Cup just yet. They will play fierce rivals France in Miami for a chance to claim third-spot.
While the match, on Saturday (AEST), is essentially still part of the finals, it is unlikely William will make the trip to the US.
Instead, he is more likely to cheer England on from home, with his devoted family by his side.
Most viewed in Royals
Prince George is as tall as his parents as they drop him off for his first day at Eton College
Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly ‘a little surprised’ by King Charles’ letter
Harry hasn’t spoken to king since return, takes issue with ‘private citizens’ wording
‘An embarrassing blow’: Why king’s letter draws a line in the sand for Harry and Meghan
