Summer of football: driving guide for Hampshire fans

For Portsmouth and Hampshire supporters who have travelled to North America for the summer of football, which runs from 11 June to 19 July across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament will be an extraordinary experience. However, travelling between Dallas, Boston, and New York/New Jersey – whether by rental car or via each city's transport network – requires preparation that goes well beyond booking flights from Southampton or Gatwick.

AUTODOC, Europe's specialist in car parts and accessories, has put together a comprehensive road guide for British fans at the tournament. Here is what supporters from Portsmouth and the South Coast need to know before getting behind the wheel in America.

England's group stages: where you are going and why it matters

England's three group games are all in the United States:

● 17 June - England vs Croatia, AT&T Stadium, Arlington (Dallas)

● 23 June - England vs Ghana, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston)

● 27 June - England vs Panama, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (New York/New Jersey)

The fact that all three fixtures are within the USA means that there will be no international border crossings for the group stage, which simplifies documentation requirements considerably. However, the geographic spread is enormous – the distance from Dallas to Boston is approximately 2,900 kilometres. Most Portsmouth fans will fly into each city and hire a car locally. The one genuinely appealing road trip opportunity is the 350-kilometre journey from Boston to New York/New Jersey between the second and third games.

The IDP: get it sorted before you fly

AUTODOC's experts want to emphasise that you CANNOT obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) once you have left the UK. It must be purchased in advance from a PayPoint shop. There are PayPoint outlets throughout Portsmouth city centre, Fareham, Gosport, and across Hampshire. Each IDP costs approximately £5.50 and is valid for 12 months.

For the USA and Canada, you need the 1949 convention IDP. If you also visit the games in Mexico, you will need the 1926 convention IDP to drive within the country. This is an entirely separate document. The two serve different legal frameworks and cannot substitute for each other.

Your full UK photocard driving licence is valid for tourist driving in all three countries, but many car hire companies will ask for the IDP alongside your licence at the desk. Without it, you could be turned away after a long transatlantic flight. Paper licences are not accepted by hire companies, so if you have not yet exchanged yours, do so before you leave.

Full document checklist:

● Full UK photocard driving licence (photocard only)

● IDP 1949 convention (USA and Canada)

● IDP 1926 convention (Mexico, if applicable)

● Valid biometric passport (required for ESTA for the USA, or eTA for Canada)

● DVLA check code: this can be generated at gov.uk (if requested)

● Rental agreement and confirmation

● Insurance documents: check what the insurance cover includes carefully

● Credit card in the main driver's name: most US hire desks will not accept debit cards for the security deposit

What the road will feel like: key differences from Hampshire

Drivers from Portsmouth and Hampshire are used to a wide range of road types, such as the M27, the A3(M), the A27 coastal route, and the urban roads of cities like Southampton and Portsmouth. North American roads are broadly navigable for experienced British drivers, but there are specific rules that differ enough to create genuine risks for the uninformed.

Vehicles are on the right side. Every North American rental car has the steering wheel on the left. Most British drivers adapt quickly on motorways and open roads. The classic danger is pulling out of a car park or petrol station after stopping as your instinct will usually take you left. Actively remind yourself every time you move off from stationary.

Speed units. The USA uses miles per hour, as we do. Canada and Mexico use kilometres per hour. The speedometers may show both so you should always check which unit of measurement you are reading.

Right turn on red. In most US states, after coming to a complete stop, you may turn right at a red traffic light, as long as you yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic and there is no 'No Turn on Red' sign. New York City largely prohibits it. There is no equivalent rule in Hampshire or anywhere else in the UK. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the road signs and specific state rules.

Four-way stops. These are junctions with stop signs on every approach and no traffic lights. The rule is simple: whoever arrives first goes first. Simultaneous arrivals give way to the driver on the right. No roundabout give-way conventions apply. Hesitate if unsure as it is usually far safer than misjudging the sequence.

School buses. When a school bus stops with red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, all traffic on both sides of an undivided road must stop. This applies in every US state and Canadian province. Violations bring fines, licence points, and possible suspension. There is no equivalent rule in the UK, and it is the rule British drivers are most likely to be unaware of.

HOV lanes. Diamond-marked motorway lanes require at least two occupants. Solo drivers face fines.

Toll roads. Common in Boston, New York, and the Philadelphia corridor. The E-ZPass system covers most of this area; many rental cars include a transponder. Confirm at the desk and pay attention to the daily charge.

Venue by venue: what to expect

Dallas – AT&T stadium, Arlington (England vs Croatia, 17 June)

Arlington is a car-dependent suburb built around motor transport, without a conventional public transit system. It is the most car-friendly of England's three group game venues. Some parking is available near AT&T Stadium, and driving to the ground on match day is genuinely viable. Check the FIFA World Cup 2026 app for the latest on parking and tailgating arrangements.

If you're flying into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and renting a car, which is the best way to get around the Dallas area, this should be the easiest match-day experience in England's group stage in terms of transport and parking.

Boston – Gillette stadium, Foxborough (England vs Ghana, 23 June

Gillette Stadium is around 50 kilometres south of central Boston with no direct metro link. Special match-day trains and express buses will be available for match days but must be booked in advance ($80 train/$95 bus round trip). Parking near the stadium is available but extremely limited, with demand far exceeding supply. AUTODOC's guidance is clear: park well away from Foxborough and use the match-day shuttle or train for the final stretch. Do not expect to find street parking near the ground on 23 June.

New York/New Jersey – MetLife stadium (England vs Panama, 27 June)

This is the venue where the parking situation is most critical to understand as there is no public parking at MetLife Stadium during matches at all. The car parks have been repurposed as fan zones and security. NJ Transit is providing expanded services, but tickets are capped at 40,000 per match, must be pre-purchased via the NJ Transit app, and require a physical wristband for the return journey. Ride-share drop-offs require a 20–30 minute walk to the gates.

Leave the rental car at your accommodation in New Jersey or the outer boroughs of New York. Book NJ Transit the moment your match ticket is secured. Do not attempt to drive to or park near MetLife on 27 June.

The Boston to New York road trip

The 350-kilometre run from Boston to New York/New Jersey, with four days between the two fixtures, is one of the genuine highlights of following the England team in America. The route is easy to follow and goes through some of the most famous parts of the east coast. It takes three to four hours to drive there, which is nothing for fans who regularly drive to away games.

AUTODOC recommends basing yourself in New Jersey rather than Manhattan as parking in New York City is expensive and extremely complicated. From a New Jersey base, NJ Transit handles match day at MetLife, so you won’t need the car.

Match-day parking: universal rules

● Arrive at least three hours before kick-off

● Park outside the event enforcement zone; walk or use public transport for the last stretch

● Avoid informal unlicensed lots as some of them may not release vehicles after the match

● Photograph every parking sign before leaving the car; US signs can carry multiple time and day restrictions on one pole

● In New York, the city designates Tow Away Zones during major events and enforces them actively

● Keep any payment confirmation

● Familiarise yourself with the post-match exit route before you park

Pre-trip car checks

When picking up a rental car, walk around the vehicle and document any pre-existing damage. Test the air conditioning right away as temperatures in Dallas in June regularly exceed 35°C, and a broken AC system in that heat is a genuine problem. Check whether the wipers work as Boston sometimes experiences heavy summer rain. Confirm whether the car has a spare tyre or only a tyre inflation kit, and locate it before it is needed. Check whether the vehicle takes petrol (gasoline) or diesel.

For fans driving to Southampton Airport, Heathrow, or further afield, AUTODOC recommends a 20-minute pre-trip check of your tyre pressures, brake pads, wipers, and fluid levels before any long motorway run.

Frequently asked questions

Is my UK licence valid in America?

Yes, a full UK photocard licence is accepted for tourist driving in all US states. However, we still recommend taking a 1949 IDP as many hire companies require it.

What if the police pull me over?

Pull over promptly and safely. Keep your hands on the wheel and visible. Wait to be asked before reaching for documents. Present your licence, IDP, rental agreement, and insurance. Remain calm and polite.

Can I drive a hire car from the USA into Mexico?

Almost certainly not. Most major hire companies explicitly prohibit it. Rent a separate car in Mexico and purchase Mexican liability insurance independently.

What emergency number do I use?

911 operates in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Final checklist before match day

● UK photocard driving licence

● IDP (1949 for USA/Canada; 1926 for Mexico)

● Passport

● Rental agreement and insurance

● Confirm your route including road closures

● Pre-book your parking or transit ticket

● Check the post-match exit route

● Monitor fuel levels before setting off