William Talks World Cup Football Fever on Travis Kelce's Podcast

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: Prince William has shared his thoughts on the emotional rollercoaster of being a football fan in a relaxed appearance on the podcast of Travis Kelce, the US footballer who is expected to soon marry the pop megastar Taylor Swift.

The theme wasn't the wedding but the World Cup, of which the US is a co-host, and William jokingly corrected Travis that it was "football" and not "soccer". This distinction is significant, particularly in the context of the growing popularity of football in the United States, where the term "soccer" is commonly used to differentiate it from American football.

On the 28-minute show, William revealed that his father, King Charles, "hates football". This statement sheds light on the royal family's complex relationship with the sport, especially considering that King Charles has previously described himself as a Burnley supporter, a club that has experienced its ups and downs in the English football league system. This disconnect between the King and football culture may reflect a broader royal tradition that has often been more focused on equestrian sports and other activities associated with the upper class.

The Prince of Wales also told the podcast that he would travel to the World Cup in the US if England reached the final. This statement emphasizes his commitment to supporting the national team, which has a rich history in international football competitions. "They make it to the finals, you're gonna make the trip across the pond?" Travis asked, to which William responded, "Definitely. If we're in the finals," showcasing his enthusiasm for the sport and his willingness to engage with fans across the Atlantic.

"Oh, I love it, man," said the podcast host. The conversation took on a light-hearted tone, with William jokingly suggesting that he might see the Kelce brothers at the final. This informal setting highlights how modern media, including podcasts, allows public figures to connect with audiences in a more personal and relatable manner. The use of platforms like the New Heights podcast illustrates a shift in how royals engage with the public, moving away from traditional interviews to more casual conversations.

Last year, William talked about his ambitions to modernize the monarchy in a conversation with comedian Eugene Levy on Apple TV. This ongoing effort to adapt the royal image to contemporary society reflects a broader trend among many monarchies around the world, where public figures are increasingly expected to be relatable and accessible.

William was also asked about another significant US landmark: "America is turning 250 years this year. Be honest. Are you surprised we made it?" His response, "There were times... There were times... But I'd like to think the UK and the US would be together for those 250 years. Oh, yeah, it's a good brotherhood," touches on the historical ties between the two nations. The relationship between the UK and the US has evolved over the centuries, from the American Revolution to the modern-day alliance, often characterized by shared values, cultural exchanges, and mutual interests.

There was a chat about meeting before at a US football game at Wembley, with Jason remembering that he didn't know what to do with the beer he was holding when he met the royals. This anecdote highlights the sometimes awkward intersection of celebrity culture and royal protocol, where informal settings can lead to humorous situations. "Yeah, it wasn't a joke. It was real. Well, you want to be respectful and know the protocols," he said, illustrating the challenges of navigating royal etiquette.

Jason also mentioned that meeting "Princess Charlotte was still the highlight for me. I had four daughters as well, so, I mean, she was great". This comment underscores the universal appeal of the royal family, especially among younger generations, and how their interactions can resonate with everyday experiences of family and parenting.

"Now, congratulations. Having four daughters. I don't know how you do that," said William, displaying his relatable side when discussing family dynamics. The conversation shifted to the challenges of parenting, with Kelce humorously noting, "That is definitely a difficult task. The hardest job," which resonates with many listeners who navigate similar challenges in their own lives.

The episode seems to have been recorded a couple of weeks ago, as it references England having just played Croatia, which was the team's opening game of the tournament. This context provides listeners with a sense of timing, illustrating the immediacy of the discussion around the World Cup and the excitement surrounding the tournament.

It had been a confident start, and Prince William—addressed as "Prince" in the conversation—was asked about what would constitute a successful World Cup. "I think winning it," he said, which aligns with the high expectations often placed on national teams in major tournaments. The pressure to perform well in international competitions is immense, particularly for a country with such a rich footballing history.

William also spoke of England manager Thomas Tuchel's more "fluid" approach and less defensive style. "Thomas, I think, prefers to go a bit more out there—and if we lose, we lose playing the way we want to play. And if you're going to score four goals, we'll score five. And I think that's a really good attitude," said Prince William. This insight into the team's strategy reflects a modern understanding of football, where attacking play and entertainment value are increasingly prioritized.

Prince William was asked about football culture, and he talked about the strange attraction of the highs and lows of being a supporter. His own support for Aston Villa became even more intense when the team was relegated, he said. "So I think weirdly, this sounds very odd, but I got into football more than ever when we got relegated," he told the US podcasters. This sentiment captures the essence of being a football fan—the emotional investment that comes with supporting a team through thick and thin.

"So when Aston Villa went from Premiership to Championship, I suddenly really enjoyed the battle to get back in the Premiership," he added. The resilience and determination required to support a team during challenging times resonate deeply with fans worldwide, illustrating the passion and loyalty inherent in football culture.

The results of his beloved club could also affect his mood: "My weekend goes from being either the best we can in the world when we win... Or frankly, I don't want to see anyone on Monday morning because I'm really down." This candid admission highlights the profound impact that sports can have on mental health and well-being, a topic increasingly discussed in contemporary society.

He said that he'd become an Aston Villa supporter after watching them play for the first time, remembering it as a game against Bolton 26 years ago. This personal connection to the club adds depth to his support, reflecting how formative experiences can shape lifelong loyalties.

Travis had asked about whether Prince William's love of football was inherited. "Did your dad get you into Aston Villa or is this your own doing?" asked Travis. "Absolutely not. My father hates football," the prince replied, further emphasizing the uniqueness of his passion for the sport within his family. This distinction may also reflect a generational shift in interests, where younger members of the royal family engage with popular culture more than their predecessors.

He also warned the US hosts about the rowdier aspects of football support. "Those rowdy evenings, those long afternoons, a few drinks, the social elements of it. You know, there are plenty of chants you guys don't want to hear. They're pretty spicy. They're quite rude to broadcast." This acknowledgment of football culture's more raucous elements illustrates the vibrant and sometimes chaotic atmosphere surrounding matches, which can be both exhilarating and intimidating for newcomers.

There were also insights into the prince's thinking when he was asked about his role as president of the Football Association. "Just don't mess up," he said, in a succinct piece of management advice. This straightforward approach reflects a pragmatic understanding of leadership, especially within an organization that plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of football in England.

The podcasters invited Prince William to name some of the best English players of all time—in what they imagined as footballing Mount Rushmore. William's list included Sir David Beckham, Gary Lineker, Harry Kane, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Sir Bobby Charlton. This selection highlights the diverse talents that have shaped English football over the years, each player representing different eras and styles of play.

"Harry Kane could end up being one of the greatest English strikers we've ever seen," he said, with some prophetic accuracy, considering Kane became England's greatest goal scorer in subsequent appearances. This foresight demonstrates William's engagement with the game and his appreciation for the players who have made significant contributions to English football.

Overall, Prince William's appearance on Travis Kelce's podcast illustrates the intersection of sport, culture, and modern media. By participating in informal discussions about football, he not only connects with a broader audience but also reinforces his commitment to the sport and its role in fostering community and national pride. As the World Cup approaches, his enthusiasm serves as a reminder of the unifying power of football, transcending borders and bringing people together in celebration of the game.