Dreaming of cheering on England or Scotland at the 2026 World Cup? You might want to sit down before checking your bank balance. With sky-high ticket prices, eye-watering accommodation costs, and train fares that are anything but standard, this tournament is shaping up to be the most expensive in history. If you're thinking of booking a last-minute trip to the United States, here's what it could really cost you.
Let's start with England fans. If you're planning to follow the Three Lions through the group stage, you'll need to budget around £6,500 per person—or £13,000 for two. That's for a twin or double room, so solo travelers might pay even more. For a family of four with two pre-teen children (yes, you'd need to pull them out of school), the total skyrockets to over £22,000. Ouch.
Scotland supporters face an even steeper climb. With eight nights in Boston—one of America's priciest cities—two fans could spend about £7,500 each. A family of four? Prepare to dig deeper, with costs exceeding £25,000. That's a lot of haggis and shortbread to save up for.
But here's the kicker: these numbers are based on the best-value hotel within four miles of city centers and the cheapest available tickets on FIFA's official resale site. Go farther out, opt for an Airbnb, or embrace true budget travel, and you might shave off some pounds. But with prices subject to change, it's a moving target.
Then there's the daily grind. For 14 to 15 days in the U.S., you'll need to cover meals, drinks, snacks, and local transport—plus activities on non-match days. Some fans are happy with low-cost options, others want to make the most of the trip, and a few might spend all their time in bars (which demands a bigger budget). Factor in America's tipping culture, and everything costs a little extra. For two people on a low-to-mid-range budget, we estimate around £3,000 for living expenses. That's about £200 a day—enough for a few burgers, beers, and a sightseeing trip or two.
Whether you're dreaming of Dallas or Boston, one thing is clear: this World Cup is a financial marathon, not a sprint. So, start saving now—or consider a very comfy couch and a big-screen TV.
