Prince William and Kate Middleton currently do not plan to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in New York City, with questions still hanging over any possible royal appearance in the US. According to Page Six, royal reporter Emily Nash said no invitation has surfaced so far, making a joint trip unlikely at this stage. The update matters because the Prince and Princess of Wales have long drawn strong public interest in America, and any visit would carry extra weight after Kate’s recent return to overseas duties following her cancer treatment.
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Nash said travel remains a major factor for the Princess of Wales as she continues easing back into public life. "There has been a lot of talk about this over the past few months, but no invitation has surfaced so far, so right now I doubt it will happen," said Emily Nash according to Page Six. She also pointed to the physical demands of royal tours after joining Kate on the Italy trip last month, the princess’s first international visit since announcing she was in remission. That appearance signaled progress, but not necessarily a fast return to long-haul travel.
Prince William Could Still Attend Alone
While a joint appearance looks doubtful for now, Prince William may still make the trip if England reaches the final in New Jersey next month. Nash said the future king’s role as president of the Football Association makes that scenario far more realistic. She added that his support for the national team has been consistent for years, both publicly and privately. If England advances deep into the tournament, his presence would make sense on both a sporting and symbolic level, even if Kate stays in the UK to manage her schedule more carefully.
Kate Middleton’s US Return Would Carry Weight
A return to the United States would be significant for the Princess of Wales, whose last visit there with William came in 2022 for the Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston. The couple have not been to New York City since 2014, and they have never attended the tournament together. Nash believes an American appearance by Kate after her health battle would be warmly received. "We’ve seen the reception that they’ve had in America in the past. And it’s fair to say that it’s always been incredibly warm," Emily Nash told Page Six. That history helps explain why any trip remains a major point of interest.
Royal Travel Plans Depend on More Than Choice
Any overseas visit by senior royals involves more than personal preference. Nash said royal travel is signed off by the Royal Visits Committee, with government input playing a central role in what gets approved and when. That means timing, diplomacy and broader priorities can outweigh public enthusiasm around a possible appearance. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were in New York only in April, their first visit to the city in 19 years, which may also affect the urgency of another high-profile trip. For now, the clearest path appears to be William attending solo if football results push England to the final.
