England fans are living the American Dream in New Jersey as they party in a World Cup fan zone ahead of the match against Panama. Thomas Tuchel's side is already through to the knockout phase, and victory tonight would almost certainly guarantee top spot in Group L.
Fans Enjoy Atmosphere at American Dream Fanzone
Neil Diamond's Three Lions anthem 'Sweet Caroline' played as fans lined up behind flags representing Bristol City, Huddersfield Town, Middlesbrough FC, and the Pennsylvania Owls. In the Yard House Pub inside the giant American Dream fanzone, 2.5-pint ales costing $16 (£12) were served to thirsty England fans, who chanted terrace anthems and enjoyed the World Cup atmosphere alongside supporters from Panama and across the United States.
For some, it was the end of their World Cup journey. They told how they were heading home this week, with England already qualified for the knockout stages. Others had combined the football with darts, including a trip to see Luke Littler defeated 8-7 by Luke Humphries in a thriller at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
Fans Spend Up to £15,000 Each
Bristol City fans Richard Iles, 55, and Andrew Rodgers, 56, were at the end of a £30,000 trip to see all of the group games before heading home. Richard, who also travelled to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, said: "We have really enjoyed the experience. The tickets are too expensive, the travel is too expensive, everything is too expensive but we are having fun. What do you do as a fan? You either pay or you don't come."
Andrew, who is also retired, added: "Qatar was so different because everything was so easy - all the stadiums were within an hour and a half of our hotel and the Metro system was brilliant. We paid 12,000 US dollars each for the package here because it provided tickets to each game, hotels and transfers. But the flights home are on top of that so it will have been around £15,000 each."
Unique Fan Experiences
Wolves fan Braden Webb, 20, of Stafford, travelling with his dad Paul, 63, told how they met US fans at the Ghana game. They ended up getting a lift to the stadium and 'tailgating' with Ghana fans - a US tradition where BBQ food is served from the back of vehicles in the car park before the game. University of Birmingham student Braden, who is training to be a PE teacher, joked: "Can you imagine doing that at Molineux? We were also sitting with the opposition fans and many Americans who were cheering for Ghana. That was grinding my gears. But the stadium was amazing and it was a great experience."
Panama Fans Excited for Key Player
Panama fans were excited that their most important player, Carrasquilla, who has yet to play a minute at this World Cup, was likely to be fit. In 2024, Carrasquilla became the first Panamanian named Concacaf men's player of the year. He trained as a hairdresser in his youth and was giving his team-mates a trim by the time he made his senior debut aged 16 for Panamanian side Tauro. Carrasquilla still occasionally cuts hair at the local barber when he is visiting family back home. He had promised to shave his head if Panama wins the World Cup.
Panama fan Geraldine Villarreal, 25, had travelled from Fort Lauderdale, Florida with her friend Katie Kreh, 31, to see the game. Geraldine said: "We know that we are out so we are here to have a good time and just sample the atmosphere. We met when we were both dating Englishmen in America, and we are both working in Florida. We have a soft spot for England but obviously we are biased."
Fan Zone Transformed for Tournament
Tiffany McKenna, 33, originally from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside but now living in Houston, Texas, told how her twin sister Alex has to put bets on for her back home in the UK because it is illegal in her home state. She joked: "You cannot gamble in Texas. We could not get tickets for the Croatia game in Dallas which was so frustrating. So I am just buzzing to be here."
The American Dream shopping complex, opposite the MetLife Stadium - renamed the New York/New Jersey stadium for the tournament - has been transformed into a giant fan zone. It served drinks to England and Panama fans before the 5pm kickoff local time and then showed the game for those without tickets. A "major hub for football and soccer experiences," it offers massive screens, celebrity appearances, and entertainment. The stadium's capacity has been reduced from 87,157 to just under 80,000 for the tournament. It was expected to be at least half full of Three Lions supporters from the UK and across the US. Built as a $1.6-billion replacement for Giants Stadium, it will host eight matches including the final.
