England’s WAGs are making their way to Kansas City for the upcoming World Cup, where they will embark on a tailored US tour to explore various attractions. Additionally, they are planning visits to New York and Boston as part of their itinerary. The Wives and Girlfriends, who have formed close bonds from past tournaments, including Megan, the wife of Jordan Pickford, and Fern, the wife of Harry Maguire, are expected to join the tour. Tolami Benson, girlfriend of Bukayo Saka, and Mia McClenaghan, partner of Chelsea captain Reece James, are also likely to accompany the group to the US.
The group is anticipated to travel together to follow the team across different US venues while indulging in sightseeing activities. They are considering staying in Kansas City for easier access during family visits with the players, as well as planning a stay in New York to explore the city further. Exciting attractions such as a Boston Red Sox game are on the agenda, with Laura Celia Valk, Jude Bellingham’s partner, reportedly in touch with the group. Harry Kane’s wife, Katie Goodland, is expected to travel with their children to join the tour.
To optimize their time and convenience, the WAGs are looking into Airbnb-style accommodations in Kansas City for ‘family days’ with the players, as the team is based there for the tournament’s duration. They will switch between hotels near the three group game venues in Dallas, Boston, and New York/New Jersey, with luxury options like the Four Seasons and the Waldorf Astoria in New York being considered.
Meanwhile, concerns over high operational costs at the World Cup have prompted discussions around increasing prize money for competing nations. FIFA has engaged in dialogue with national associations worldwide on this matter and is on track to enhance prize money and development funding for all 211 member associations. The final decision on the funding increase is expected to be made during a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver.
England’s World Cup campaign kicks off against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, followed by a match against Ghana on June 23 in Boston, and the last group game against Panama on June 27 in New York-New Jersey.