William talks World Cup football fever on Travis Kelce's podcast
The Prince of Wales shared his hopes for England's chances in the tournament - and that his father "hates football".
By BBC News
The Prince of Wales has shared his hopes for England at the World Cup and joked that his father, King Charles, “hates football”.
The Prince of Wales has said he is “quietly confident” about England’s chances at the World Cup, while admitting years of disappointment have made football hope difficult to hold on to.
Prince William made the comments during an appearance on Travis Kelce’s podcast, where he discussed England, Aston Villa and his long-standing love of the game.
The future king, who is Patron of the Football Association, said he remained hopeful about England’s prospects but recognised the emotional reality of following the national team.
He said that with every tournament, “a little bit of hope gets chipped away”, reflecting the familiar experience of many England fans.
The conversation also turned to where his football interest came from.
Asked whether King Charles had inspired his support for Aston Villa, William replied: “Absolutely not. My father hates football.”
The remark was made light-heartedly, but it underlined how personal his connection to the sport has become over the years.
William has supported Aston Villa since childhood and has often spoken about choosing the club because he wanted to follow a team that could give him emotional highs and lows, rather than simply backing one of the most successful sides.
His football role is also official. As Patron of the Football Association, he has regularly supported England teams and wider football initiatives.
That has included work around mental health, grassroots football and the role sport can play in bringing communities together.
During the podcast appearance, he also praised England captain Harry Kane and reflected on former striker Wayne Rooney’s impact on the national team.
The discussion gave listeners a more informal side of the Prince of Wales, mixing football memories with the familiar uncertainty that comes with following England at major tournaments.
For supporters, the comments will feel familiar. England often enter major competitions with high expectations, only for optimism to be tested by the pressure and history surrounding the team.
This year’s World Cup has again brought strong interest from fans hoping the national side can go deep into the tournament.
William’s comments show that even the heir to the throne approaches England’s chances with the same mixture of loyalty, nerves and cautious hope as many other supporters.
The podcast appearance also highlighted how football remains one of the few subjects that can connect royal life with everyday conversation.
Whether England can reward that quiet confidence will depend on performances on the pitch.
For now, the Prince of Wales appears to be keeping the faith — even if experience has taught him to be careful with his optimism.