With the FIFA World Cup reaching its climax, VisitBritain is encouraging Australian football fans to take their love of the game beyond the tournament by exploring the UK’s iconic football destinations.
From legendary stadiums and behind-the-scenes tours to museums, pubs and neighbourhoods steeped in football history, Britain is inviting visitors to experience why it’s known as the “home of football.”
According to VisitBritain research, football is the UK’s biggest live sporting draw for international visitors, with fans attending matches contributing £1.4 billion annually to the economy. Australians are among the country’s keenest sports travellers, with around 81,000 attending a live sporting event during a visit to the UK each year.
Manchester: The heart of English football
Manchester remains one of the world’s great football cities, home to both Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as the National Football Museum.
Fans can walk through the players’ tunnel at the Etihad Stadium, visit Manchester City’s training facilities and, from late 2026, explore the club’s new museum. Across the city, Old Trafford tours offer access to the famous “Theatre of Dreams”, while neighbouring Hotel Football serves its football-themed Game of Two Halves afternoon tea overlooking the stadium.
London: Stadiums, legends and Ted Lasso
With six Premier League clubs and Wembley Stadium, London is packed with football experiences.
Visitors can tackle Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s rooftop Dare Skywalk, tour Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, explore Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and museum, or discover the capital’s football history on a London Black Taxi Tour.
Fans of Ted Lasso can also visit filming locations around Richmond, including the famous Crown & Anchor pub.
Liverpool: A city built on football
Home to Liverpool FC and Everton, Liverpool offers some of England’s most iconic football experiences.
Visitors can tour Anfield and its museum, while Everton’s Goodison Park opens up its directors’ box, media centre and other behind-the-scenes areas as the historic venue begins its next chapter as the home of Everton Women.
Wrexham: Hollywood’s football fairytale
The success of Wrexham AFC has transformed the Welsh town into a must-visit destination.
Fans can visit the new Museum of Two Halves, explore the Racecourse Ground – the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use – enjoy a drink at The Turf pub overlooking the pitch, or join a Welcome to Wrexham tour.
Glasgow: Home of the Old Firm
Football fans can also experience one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries in Glasgow, home to Celtic and Rangers.
Tours of Ibrox Stadium showcase one of Britain’s most historic football grounds, while Hampden Park’s Scottish Football Museum charts Scotland’s lasting influence on the global game.
Beyond football, VisitBritain says sports fans have plenty to look forward to, with a packed calendar including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, The Ashes, Silverstone and the men’s and women’s Tour de France Grand Départs.
England takes on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final at 5am AEST on Thursday, with Australian viewers able to watch on SBS or their preferred streaming platform.
