Following England’s National Team: RV Travel Guide for International Soccer Events
England’s Group Stage Schedule
England plays Group L across three regions:
- June 17: England vs Croatia in Arlington, Texas
- June 23: England vs Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts
- June 27: Panama vs England in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Six days between each match provide comfortable driving windows. Dallas to Boston covers 2,700 kilometres, Boston to New York runs 350 kilometres, the first leg requires serious highway miles, while the second provides an easy final connection.
Starting in Dallas (June 17)
AT&T Stadium in Arlington hosts England’s opener against Croatia, one of Group L’s marquee matches. The venue sits 30 kilometres west of downtown Dallas, hosting nine tournament matches total (more than any other venue).
Cedar Hill State Park offers full-hookup sites 25 minutes from AT&T Stadium, with lake access for cooling off between heat waves. June temperatures in Dallas regularly exceed 35°C, and heat management becomes critical for comfortable RV travel.
The Large Motorhome includes dual air conditioning units necessary for Texas summer conditions. Book RV parks with 50-amp electrical service; 30-amp connections struggle to power adequate cooling when outside temperatures push past 38°C.
AT&T Stadium features a retractable roof and climate-controlled interior, but pre-match activities happen in full Texas heat. Stay hydrated, seek shade regularly, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening rather than midday sun.
Drive to Boston: 2,700 kilometres northeast on I-30, I-40, and I-84, approximately 26 hours driving time. Budget four to five days with overnight stops.
Dallas to Boston: The Long Haul Northeast
England’s second match requires crossing America’s midsection and climbing into New England, one of the tournament’s longest inter-match drives. This segment covers Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Most travellers split this into four or five segments: Dallas to Memphis (720 km), Memphis to Knoxville (630 km), Knoxville to Harrisonburg, Virginia (560 km), Harrisonburg to Scranton (480 km), Scranton to Boston (310 km).
I-40 connects Dallas to North Carolina, and then I-81 runs northeast through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. I-84 cuts through Pennsylvania and Connecticut before reaching Massachusetts. This routing avoids major metropolitan traffic while maintaining reasonable speeds.
RV parks line the route at regular intervals. Memphis KOA, Knoxville East KOA, Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA, and Delaware Water Gap KOA all provide convenient stopping points with full amenities.
Climate shifts dramatically on this drive. Dallas’s 35°C gives way to Tennessee’s 30°C, Virginia’s 28°C, and Massachusetts’s 24°C. The Dallas-to-Boston route crosses the Appalachian Mountains through Virginia and Pennsylvania with steep grades, numerous tunnels, and weather variations. Larger motorhomes should use lower gears on descents to preserve brakes. I-81 through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley provides spectacular mountain scenery but demands careful driving.
Boston: Second Match (June 23)
England faces Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, six days after the Dallas opener. The venue sits 45 kilometres southwest of downtown Boston, hosting five tournament matches total.
Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort in Foxfield offers full hookups, 30 minutes from Gillette Stadium. Boston Harbour Islands camping provides unique waterfront sites accessible by ferry, though stadium access requires longer commutes.
Boston in late June averages 24°C, dramatically cooler than Dallas. Pack layers for variable New England weather. Morning temperatures often sit around 16°C, warming to 26°C by afternoon. Occasional rain requires waterproof gear.
The MBTA commuter rail serves Gillette Stadium directly during events. The Foxboro station sits adjacent to the stadium, connecting to Boston’s South Station with frequent service. This makes transit far more practical than driving and parking.
Drive to New York/New Jersey: 350 kilometres southwest on I-95, approximately 4 hours driving time. Budget one full day or split into easy half-days.
Boston to New York: The Easy Connection
England’s final group match sits just down I-95 in New Jersey, the shortest drive between any of their fixtures. This segment crosses Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and into New Jersey via New York City’s northern suburbs.
I-95 represents America’s primary East Coast corridor but also its most congested highway. Avoid driving during rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM weekdays). Weekend traffic flows better, but summer tourism keeps volumes high year-round.
This drive includes tolls in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. E-ZPass works throughout the Northeast. Purchase a temporary transponder early in your trip to avoid cash toll delays and administrative fees.
New York/New Jersey: Final Group Match (June 27)
Panama plays England at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford for the decisive Group L match. The venue hosts the tournament final on July 19, expect premium prices and massive crowds throughout June and July.
Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City offers full hookups with Manhattan skyline views, 20 minutes from MetLife Stadium. Cheesequake State Park provides sites 40 kilometres south at lower rates but requires longer commutes.
New York/New Jersey in late June averages 27°C with humidity, warmer than Boston but cooler than Dallas. The Maxi Motorhome handles this climate range comfortably with adequate air conditioning for humid nights.
NJ Transit trains connect MetLife Stadium to Manhattan and the surrounding communities. The stadium sits adjacent to rail lines, so take the train rather than fighting New York traffic and premium parking rates.
Vehicle Size for Transcontinental Travel
Two travellers: The Deluxe Van Camper maximizes fuel efficiency on 3,100+ kilometres of total driving. Better fuel economy saves $800-1,000 compared to larger motorhomes, a significant figure for this distance.
Four people: The Large Motorhome provides separate sleeping areas and dual AC units essential for Texas heat. The slide-out expands interior space for long travel days.
Six travellers: The Maxi Plus Motorhome becomes necessary at this group size. Per-person accommodation costs drop substantially, and kitchen facilities eliminate restaurant expenses for every meal.
If England Advances: Knockout Stage Possibilities
Group L’s bracket position sends different finishing positions to specific venues. The Group L winner plays the Round of 32 in Atlanta (July 1), while the runner-up faces the Group K winner in Toronto (July 2).
Atlanta sits 1,400 kilometres south of New York—figure two to three days of driving through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and into Georgia. Toronto requires 725 kilometres north through New York state, a much shorter drive. Quarter-finals could send England to Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, or Kansas City, depending on knockout results.
Fuel Costs and Tournament Tickets
This route covers approximately 3,100 kilometres total, not counting local driving. Motorhomes average 10-15 litres per 100 kilometres. At current fuel prices:
- Smaller campervans: $550-750 total fuel cost
- Mid-size motorhomes: $800-1,050 total fuel cost
- Large motorhomes: $1,050-1,350 total fuel cost
England draws massive support across North America, with large British expatriate communities, passionate travelling supporters, and curious locals wanting to experience English football culture. England vs Croatia in Dallas and Panama vs England in New York command top prices. The Random Selection Draw closed January 13, 2026. Secondary market tickets for England matches typically run 2.5-3.5x face value, among the highest premiums outside host nations.
The Transcontinental Experience
Following England creates North America’s most ambitious single-team route, from Texas sprawl through the Appalachian mountains to the New England coast and metropolitan New York. Each region offers completely distinct cultural experiences beyond matches.
England’s route passes multiple tournament venues. Dallas hosts nine Group Stage matches, including Netherlands vs Japan (June 14) and Argentina vs Austria (June 22). Boston hosts five matches, including Haiti vs Scotland (June 13). New York/New Jersey hosts eight matches, including Brazil vs Morocco (June 13) and France vs Senegal (June 16).
Between tournament commitments, explore each city properly. Visit Fort Worth’s Stockyards and Dallas’s arts district. Walk Boston’s Freedom Trail and explore Cape Cod beaches. Experience Manhattan’s landmarks or Jersey Shore beaches from your New York base.
An RV rental transforms three football matches into a comprehensive American journey. You’re not just watching England play, you’re crossing half a continent, experiencing regional diversity, and bringing the football world together through shared tournament experiences that extend far beyond ninety minutes on the pitch.
Disclaimer: Not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA or the FIFA World Cup 2026. Tailgating rules, parking regulations, and match times vary significantly by stadium and action hub. Tournament regulations for the 2026 international soccer tournament may differ from standard stadium policies. Please check the official rules and times for your specific venue before you head out.