England Fans Urged to Respect Local Laws During World Cup in Dallas

England football fans attending the FIFA World Cup in Dallas next year have been cautioned to “show respect” to local laws and customs. The warning comes as supporters prepare for the Three Lions’ opening match against Croatia. Authorities have emphasized that any unruly behavior could lead to serious consequences, especially in a city where nearly half of residents are reportedly armed.

Local authorities, including Dallas Police Assistant Chief Mark Villarreal, are on high alert for potential hooliganism. Villarreal stated that law enforcement is “ready” and has “rapid response teams on standby” for any incidents that may arise. He reassured fans that they would have a safe and enjoyable experience, provided they adhere to local expectations for behavior.

The presence of firearms in Texas has raised concerns about potential altercations. According to data from Statista, Texas had the highest number of registered firearms in the United States in 2024, with approximately 1,136,732 weapons owned by residents. Paul Limpitlaw, an expat England fan living in Dallas, emphasized the locals’ right to defend themselves if they feel threatened. Limpitlaw, a supporter of Aston Villa, noted, “It’s going to be a fantastic football party, but anyone thinking of coming to cause trouble should think again.”

Limpitlaw shared his personal experience of adopting the local gun culture after surviving an attempted mugging years ago. He owns an extensive collection of firearms, including Glock and Sig pistols, assault rifles, and an AK-47 Kalashnikov, which he uses for shooting ranges and hunting trips. He expressed confidence that while England fans are generally well-behaved, they should be aware that situations could escalate rapidly if provoked.

The sentiment of caution is echoed by gun store representatives in the area. Bryan Rastok, a spokesperson, highlighted that the prevalence of firearms acts as a deterrent to potential troublemakers, stating, “If you threaten people here, there’s a chance you’re gonna get shot.”

As excitement builds for the tournament, football fans from England and Scotland will be able to enjoy beer in their seats during matches, a departure from the longstanding alcohol restrictions seen in British stadiums. FIFA confirmed to the Daily Star that this relaxed rule would apply during the tournament, which is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.

With qualifying play-offs still underway for teams from Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, the anticipation for the World Cup continues to grow. Fans are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the event while respecting local laws and customs to ensure a successful and enjoyable tournament.