Wizz Air, a budget airline, has received the necessary regulatory approval to conduct flights to the United States. The airline, known for its routes connecting the UK with various European destinations like Poland, Turkey, Italy, and Romania, is gearing up to offer flights tailored for football fans attending the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
The airline has announced its readiness to provide customized charter flights for groups ranging from teams to supporters and travel organizers planning group trips to the USA. While highlighting that there are no immediate plans for regular commercial flights to the US, Wizz Air emphasized the significance of the latest authorization, achieved after extensive preparation, regulatory alignment, and operational groundwork.
Individual passengers may not be able to book standard services; however, those arranging group travel, tour operators, or individuals seeking a bespoke travel experience can charter transatlantic flights through Wizz Air for the upcoming event. Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, expressed enthusiasm, stating that obtaining approval for UK-US operations marks a major milestone for the airline, opening doors for European football teams and fans traveling transatlantic this summer.
England’s initial match is scheduled for June 17 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, with subsequent games against Ghana on June 23 in Boston and Panama on June 27 in New York. Scotland’s fixtures include games against Haiti on June 14 and Morocco on June 19 in Boston, followed by a match against Brazil in Miami on June 24.
Wales and Northern Ireland are still in the qualification phase for the World Cup, aiming to secure their spots. Alongside matches in various locations across the USA, some games will also be held in Canada and Mexico, the joint hosts of the tournament.
Attending the matches in person is expected to involve significant costs, with group stage tickets ranging from $100 to $575 (£75 to £431), and limited £45 tickets available per game. Notably, tickets for the final on July 19 in New Jersey range from $2,030 to $6,370 (£1,500 to £4,800) at face value, potentially escalating on resale platforms.