The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and with it, a frenzy of excitement and, for some, a financial burden. The tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many fans, but the costs can be eye-watering. From match tickets to flights and hotels, the expenses can add up fast. For fans in the host nations of Mexico, Canada, and the US, the financial outlay is significant, with some spending thousands of dollars to attend just one match. For instance, Morten Oftedal, a Norwegian fan living in the US, spent about $3,600 for himself, his father, and his wife to attend one match, including tickets, flights, and transport. This is a number he described as 'insane'.
In Mexico, the situation is even more stark. Ticket prices for the opening game were well beyond the means of most people, with some paying as much as $4,000 or more. Aaron Vieyra, a member of the Mexican national team fans group Furia Azteca, paid 30,000 pesos ($1,750; £1,300) for each ticket, which is about three months' rent for many residents of Mexico City. Despite the high cost, he said it was worth it, but only just, as he didn't have to pay for flights or hotels.
However, the financial burden doesn't stop at the ticket price. The price of food and drink inside the stadiums is also under scrutiny. At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a US beer will set you back only $5 for a small (12oz) and $9 for a large (20oz). Fans must part with just $3 for water (20oz). Meanwhile, local officials have tried to negotiate with FIFA to bring the cost down for average fans, such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who secured 1,000 $50 tickets for residents through a lottery.
Despite the high costs, many fans remain enthusiastic about the games and suggest the prices are worth it. Oftedal, the Norwegian fan, said creating memories with his father would be the most important thing, and that 'the (worry about) money goes away after a while'. Personally, I think that while the financial burden can be significant, the experience of attending a World Cup match is priceless. The memories created and the excitement of the games make the cost worthwhile. However, I also believe that FIFA should work towards making the tournament more accessible and affordable for fans from all walks of life.
