World Cup 2026 will be one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and Brighton and Sussex football fans will be planning it in two ways: travelling to the USA, Canada or Mexico, or watching the games locally in Brighton, Hove and across Sussex.
This guide brings everything together in one place: official World Cup links, England fixtures, group information, UK kick-off planning, airport travel, Gatwick and Heathrow taxi options, local pub and fan-zone advice, and late-night travel tips after big matches.
If you are flying to the tournament, book airport travel early. If you are watching in Brighton or Sussex, plan your return taxi before the final whistle.
World Cup 2026 Dates, Hosts and Format
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico. The tournament starts on Thursday 11 June 2026 and finishes with the final on Sunday 19 July 2026.
This expanded tournament includes 48 teams, 12 groups and 104 matches. Matches will be played across major host cities in North America, including Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Toronto, Boston, San Francisco Bay Area, Kansas City, Miami, New York New Jersey and Philadelphia.
World Cup 2026 Groups
These are the World Cup 2026 groups listed on the official FIFA match schedule.
England World Cup 2026 Fixtures, UK Times and Stadiums
England are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama. These are the confirmed England group-stage fixtures shown by England Football.
England’s 21:00 and 22:00 BST kick-offs are perfect for pubs, bars and fan zones, but they also mean late-night travel demand after the match. Pre-book your return taxi if you are watching away from home.
Official World Cup 2026 Links
Use these official links for fixtures, tickets, travel advice, entry rules and tournament updates.
Flying to the World Cup from Brighton or Sussex?
Do not only think about the flight. Think about the whole journey: home to airport, flight connections, passport and entry rules, match location, hotel transfer, return flight and your taxi back to Sussex.
Best Airports for Brighton and Sussex World Cup Travellers
Brighton and Sussex fans may compare Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and London City depending on price, destination, airline, match city and connection options.
Best Flight Planning Advice for World Cup 2026
The best airport depends on your match city. For many Brighton and Sussex passengers, Gatwick is convenient for starting the journey. Heathrow is often stronger for direct long-haul routes to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Stansted, Luton and London City may be useful for cheaper or connecting routes, but they can add travel time from Sussex.
- Check your match city before booking flights.
- Compare Gatwick and Heathrow first if travelling from Brighton or Sussex.
- Check whether your route is direct or needs a connection.
- Leave enough time between connecting flights.
- Check GOV.UK travel advice for USA, Canada and Mexico.
- Check passport validity, ESTA, eTA, visa and entry requirements.
- Book your airport taxi early for early morning or late-night flights.
Airport Taxi Options from Brighton and Sussex
Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked private hire airport transfers from Brighton, Hove and Sussex to Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and London City Airport.
Watching in Brighton instead of flying?
Brighton will be one of the best cities in the South East to watch World Cup 2026. But big England matches will create late-night demand for taxis, especially around pubs, seafront venues, Hove, North Laine, London Road and city-centre areas.
Best Areas to Watch World Cup 2026 in Brighton
Official fan zones and venue schedules may change, so always check directly with the venue before travelling. These are the strongest Brighton and Hove areas to watch major football matches.
Brighton Pubs, Sports Bars and Fan Zone Links
Use these links to check what is showing before matchday. For England games, book tables early where possible.
Late-Night Taxi After World Cup Matches in Brighton
England’s group-stage matches are evening kick-offs in the UK. That means many fans will leave pubs, bars and viewing areas late at night, especially if matches go into added time, celebrations or post-match drinks.
- Book your return taxi before the match starts.
- Choose a clear pickup point away from the busiest doors.
- Keep your phone charged and switched on.
- Share your booking details with your group.
- Allow extra time after England matches because demand can rise quickly.
- Use Phone | Web | App to book with Sussex Airports Taxis.
World Cup Travel Tips for Brighton and Sussex Fans
Whether you are going to the tournament or staying local, good planning will make World Cup 2026 smoother.
- Save official FIFA fixture links.
- Check UK kick-off times before booking pubs or taxis.
- Book airport taxis early if you are flying.
- Check entry requirements before travelling to USA, Canada or Mexico.
- Book tables early for England matches in Brighton.
- Plan your late-night return before the match starts.
- Use a clear pickup point if leaving a busy pub or fan zone.
Sussex Areas Covered for World Cup Travel
Sussex Airports Taxis can help with pre-booked airport transfers, local taxi journeys and late-night travel across key Brighton and Sussex areas.
Big England game? Do not wait until full time.
If you are watching in Brighton, Hove or Sussex, full-time is the worst moment to start searching for a taxi. Pre-book before the match and choose a pickup point that your driver can actually reach.
Why Book with Sussex Airports Taxis?
Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked private hire journeys and airport transfers across Brighton, Hove and Sussex. For World Cup 2026, we can help fans travel to airports, return from pubs, reach hotels, connect with stations and get home safely after late matches.
- Airport transfers to Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and London City.
- Brighton, Hove and Sussex local taxi options.
- Useful for World Cup pubs, fan zones and late-night returns.
- Pre-booked travel for groups, families and visitors.
- Door-to-door journeys where available.
- Book by Phone | Web | App.
Need a World Cup 2026 Taxi in Brighton or Sussex?
Whether you are flying to the World Cup, travelling to Gatwick or Heathrow, watching England in Brighton, or booking a late-night return after a match, Sussex Airports Taxis can help with pre-booked travel.
Book by Phone | Web | App.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is World Cup 2026?
World Cup 2026 starts on 11 June 2026 and finishes with the final on 19 July 2026.
Who are England playing in the World Cup 2026 group stage?
England are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
What time are England’s World Cup 2026 matches in the UK?
England v Croatia is 21:00 BST on 17 June, England v Ghana is 21:00 BST on 23 June, and England v Panama is 22:00 BST on 27 June.
Where can I watch World Cup 2026 in Brighton?
Brighton city centre, North Laine, London Road, the seafront and Hove are strong areas for pubs, sports bars and fan-zone style events. Always check venue listings before travelling.
Can I book a taxi after a World Cup match in Brighton?
Yes. Sussex Airports Taxis can help with pre-booked private hire journeys, subject to availability. For England games, booking before kick-off is strongly recommended.
Which airport is best for World Cup 2026 travel from Brighton?
Gatwick is often the most convenient major airport from Brighton and Sussex. Heathrow may offer stronger long-haul options to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Always compare flights before booking.
Can I book a taxi to Gatwick or Heathrow for World Cup flights?
Yes. Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked airport transfers from Brighton, Hove and Sussex to Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and London City Airport.
How do I book Sussex Airports Taxis?
You can book through the Sussex Airports Taxis website, by phone, or by using the Sussex Go App.