England fans risk deportation at World Cup if they break bizarre US law which doesn't exist in UK
England fans have been warned their risk deportation from the USA if they violate local laws - with one such regulation something you wont find anywhere in the United Kingdom.
The 2026 World Cup comes to the USA, Canada, and Mexico in June with England hoping they can finally end their tournament pain and win their first major trophy since 1966.
After two final defeats at Euro 2020 and 2024 as well as a semi-final in the 2018 World Cup, this year could be the year Harry Kane and company finally make that final push to win some international silverware. And with the England squad finally announced by Thomas Tuchel, all eyes are on who will be in the likely starting XI after Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer were omitted from the squad.
Away from the pub talk of who we'd play at centre back and who slots in behind Kane in the number 10 spot, the UK Foreign Office has this week issued some rather more serious advice to all England fans heading to America to watch the Three Lions in person. And it's something that could risk your right to legally be in the USA if you don't listen.
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England fans ESTAs and Visas are at risk
The Foreign Office has said your legal right to be in the States - either an ESTA or Visa - could be at risk if you don't scrub up on what the local laws are in every state you're visiting. If you're heading to the USA for the tournament, you'll need either one of these documents to get through TSA clearance at the border.
"Local laws in the US may vary by state," the Foreign Office warns.
"While you are in a state, you are subject to both that state’s laws and national (federal) law. Not following all US state and federal laws can put your visa status and future travel to the US at risk.
"You are expected to have a copy of your ESTA or Visa and proof of identity with you at all times."
New Jersey law that doesn't exit in UK
For fans heading to the AT&T Stadium in Texas to watch England vs Croatia, the rather unusual adult toy law has been highlighted as a way of knowing just how easily you can fall foul of state laws that you simply didn't know exist.
But for those flying to New Jersey to watch England vs Panama at the MetLife Stadium, you're want to keep an eye on your actions at the petrol / gas station.
With the USA warning the rest of the world that it is illegal to walk to the MetLife Stadium with it surrounded by a web of major highways and protected wetlands - and crucially no sidewalks - you'll need a car to get there.
And with a car comes fuel to make it run.
Well, to this day, New Jersey is the only remaining state in the US where it is illegal to pump your own gas. Until 2023, Oregon also had this law but now NJ stands alone.
Why is it illegal to pump gas in New Jersey?
Historically, all states in the US had gas station staff who operated the pumps. This was due to safety issues that were only modernised in the 1970s where a raft of new safety modifications were rolled out across the country.
But New Jersey and Oregon said no to this, with Popular Science reporting this was due to concerns over fire risks and health hazards regarding the toxic fumes from the fuel.
To this day, the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act in New Jersey law makes it illegal for a customer to pump their own gas.
As a result, there are still around 10,000 people in the state employed as gas station pump workers.
Will England fans get deported for pumping their own gas?
Realistically, no. It would be a minor offence if you were caught by police car trying to pump your own fuel into a hire car.
But the uniqueness of the law exists to warn Brits about how they may accidentally fall foul of local rules that may violate their ESTA or Visa.
What you may fall foul of in such an instance is not carrying your ESTA or Visa on you at all times, as required. Now you know!
Tom Earnshaw