England football fans have been urged to “show respect” during their visit to the United States for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The warning comes ahead of the Three Lions’ first match against Croatia in Dallas, where officials emphasize the importance of good behavior to avoid potential escalation of conflicts.
Concerns about hooliganism have been raised following previous incidents at major tournaments, including the 1998 World Cup in France and the 2021 UEFA Euro final at Wembley. In light of this, local authorities in Dallas are implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly behavior, particularly given the city’s unique context where nearly half of residents reportedly own firearms.
Paul Limpitlaw, an expatriate England fan residing in Dallas, expressed that locals have the right to defend themselves if they feel threatened. He stated, “It’s going to be a fantastic football party, but anyone thinking of coming to cause trouble should think again.” Limpitlaw, who has embraced the local gun culture following an attempted mugging 15 years ago, noted that he possesses a significant collection of firearms, including pistols and assault rifles.
According to Statista, Texas has the highest number of registered firearms in the United States, totaling approximately 1,136,732 weapons as of 2024. Local gun store representative Bryan Rastok emphasized that the prevalence of firearms in the area contributes to a culture where individuals are less likely to engage in trouble. He remarked, “If you threaten people here, there’s a chance you’re gonna get shot.”
Dallas Police Assistant Chief Mark Villarreal reassured fans that law enforcement is prepared for any potential disturbances. He mentioned that the police department has “rapid response teams on standby” to address any hooliganism. Villarreal added, “England fans will have nothing to fear and will have a great time, provided they behave themselves and show respect.”
In an additional note for fans, FIFA has announced that supporters from England and Scotland will be allowed to consume beer in their seats during the matches, a departure from the longstanding ‘no boozing’ rule enforced in Britain for the past 40 years. This policy change applies to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
As qualifying play-offs continue, fans from Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are also hoping to secure their spots in the tournament. With the excitement building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both local authorities and fans alike are looking forward to a memorable event that prioritizes safety and enjoyment.
