Ealing Hospital Worker Blows a Year's Leave at World Cup

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Physician associate Kunal Sapat hasn't missed an England game for a decade

Kunal celebrates at a previous England fixture

July 8, 2026

An Ealing Hospital clinician has travelled more than 7,000 kilometres and used up almost all his annual leave in pursuit of a dream he’s been chasing for more than a decade: watching England lift the World Cup.

Kunal Sapat, a physician associate at the hospital, is part of a 60,000-strong contingent of England supporters following the team across the United States and Mexico, hoping this tournament will finally deliver the moment he’s been waiting for. A veteran of South Africa 2010, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, he believes this year could be different. “I’ve been to all the games and have guaranteed tickets all the way to the final,” he said. “The fans and atmosphere have been fantastic and the further we go, the better it gets.”

Kunal, a lifelong Chelsea supporter who hasn’t missed an England fixture since 2016, says the welcome from host nations has been one of the most memorable parts of the journey. Before England’s opening match in Dallas, a local resident befriended the travelling group and spent the day showing them around the city. But it was Mexico City that left the deepest impression. “It’s such a vibrant place, and watching England at the iconic Azteca stadium was a special moment,” he said. “The Mexicans were great with us before and after the match and, despite losing, were congratulating us, celebrating with us and creating a party atmosphere in the city.”

With England progressing through the tournament, Kunal is already looking ahead. He predicts England will “grill the Norwegians” before facing a “tricky but victorious encounter with old foes Argentina”, setting up what he believes will be a final against Spain. Whether or not the Three Lions make history, he has already secured his place in the stands.

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