When the Prince of Wales popped up as a surprise guest on American football star Travis Kelce's podcast in July 2026, the conversation quickly turned to the beautiful game. Prince William, who serves as President of the English Football Association, spent 28 minutes on the New Heights show discussing England's World Cup campaign, joking that his father King Charles "hates football", and revealing that he would definitely fly to the United States if England reached the final. The appearance was part of a wider push by the royal to use non-traditional media to connect with younger audiences, but it also offered a rare glimpse into the personal football fandom of the future king.
Prince William's role in English football goes beyond being a fan. He has been President of the Football Association since 2006 (though some sources date his appointment later), a ceremonial position that links the monarchy to the national sport. He is also a known supporter of Aston Villa, a Premier League club, and regularly attends matches both as a fan and in his official capacity. The FA President often presents trophies and represents the governing body at major tournaments. His comments on the national team carry weight because they reflect the views of someone who has seen the highs and lows of England's World Cup campaigns for decades.
“Prince William's role as FA President and his World Cup hopes explained”
The British royal family's relationship with football has always been complicated. King Charles III has previously described himself as a Burnley supporter, but on the podcast Prince William stated plainly: "He hates football." This contrast between father and son highlights William's genuine enthusiasm for the game. The Prince, who is also vice-royal patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, sees football as a unifying force. On the podcast, he praised the atmosphere of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, calling it "fantastic" and "well balanced".
For British readers, the prince's comments matter because they capture the national mood around the tournament. When asked what would constitute a successful World Cup for England, his answer was direct: "I think winning it." He added that he was "quietly confident" about the team's chances under manager Thomas Tuchel, whom he credited with giving the players more freedom: "If you're going to score four goals, we'll score five. And I think that's a really good attitude." He also singled out Harry Kane, saying the captain "could end up being one of the greatest English strikers we've ever seen."
Such statements resonate with fans who have experienced years of near-misses. The prince acknowledged that hope gets "chipped away each time" after disappointing results, but he remains optimistic. His promise to travel to the US for the final — "Definitely. If we're in the finals" — mirrors the dedication of thousands of England supporters who would make the same journey.
Q: What is Prince William's role in English football? A: He is the President of the Football Association, a ceremonial role that represents the royal family's link to the national sport. He has held the position since 2006 and is also a committed Aston Villa fan.
Q: Why did Prince William appear on Travis Kelce's podcast? A: The appearance was a surprise guest spot on the New Heights podcast, which normally covers American football. William used the platform to talk about the World Cup, correct the use of "soccer", and share personal stories about his family's relationship with the game.
Q: What did Prince William say about England's World Cup prospects? A: He said success means "winning it" and described himself as "quietly confident". He praised manager Thomas Tuchel's attacking approach and said he would definitely attend the final if England qualify.
Looking ahead, England are set to face Mexico in the round of 16 in Mexico City. If they progress, they would need to win a quarter-final and semi-final to reach the final. Prince William has made clear that he will be there if they do — a declaration that will no doubt add to the sense of occasion for players and fans alike.