At the 2026 World Cup, the quarterfinals won't just be exciting on the field. Several nations with well-known royal houses are also involved. That makes it worth taking a look at the stands - but not all royals are actually traveling to the USA.
Prince William to miss quarterfinal
For the quarterfinal between Norway and England on Saturday at 11 p.m. German time, only one side can currently count on royal support. Crown Prince Haakon (52) will travel to the match in Miami, according to the Norwegian portal "Aftenposten", to cheer on the team featuring Erling Haaland (25) and company at the stadium. Princess Ingrid Alexandra (22) and her brother Prince Sverre Magnus (20) were already present at the stadium in the round of 16, witnessing Norway's triumph over Brazil.
England, on the other hand, will have to do without its most prominent royal fan. Prince William (44) will not be traveling to Miami, "Aftenposten" also reports, citing the royal palace.
King Philippe also expected
The Spain versus Belgium match on Friday also won't see a major royal summit. King Philippe of Belgium (66) is expected at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, according to an official announcement, to support the "Red Devils" in person on site. The royal palace's statement briefly states: "His Majesty the King will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal between Belgium and Spain at the stadium in Los Angeles."
But his royal counterpart is absent: Spain's national team, also known as "Furia Roja", will have to do without their prominent fan King Felipe VI (58) - and for a perfectly understandable reason. Felipe, Queen Letizia (53), and Infanta Sofía (19) are accompanying Princess Leonor (20) on the same day to the ceremonial presentation of officer patents at the Air Force Academy in San Javier. For the Crown Princess, it's an important milestone in her military training - and thus also a mandatory engagement for the royal family.
As reported by the Spanish version of the "Huffington Post", among others, the King and other members of the royal family will not miss the television broadcast on Friday evening, however, and will follow the game from the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. Felipe had attended his country's group stage match in Guadalajara, Mexico. Spain won that game 1-0 against Uruguay.
