The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a tournament like no other—not just for the action on the pitch, but for the eye-watering costs off it. If you've been dreaming of crossing the Atlantic to cheer on England or Scotland, you might want to sit down before checking your bank balance.
BBC Sport has crunched the numbers, mapping out a group-stage journey for fans. The verdict? England supporters would need around £6,500 per person—or £13,000 for two. Bring the whole family? A family of four with two pre-teen kids (yes, you'd need to pull them out of school) would be looking at a staggering £22,000-plus bill. Scotland fans, meanwhile, face an even steeper climb, with eight nights in Boston—one of America's priciest cities—pushing costs to about £7,500 each for two people, or more than £25,000 for a family.
These estimates are based on finding the best-value hotel within four miles of each city center and snagging the cheapest available tickets on FIFA's official resale site. Of course, savvy travelers could trim costs by staying farther out, opting for Airbnbs, or going fully budget-friendly. But even then, the sticker shock is real.
Then there's the daily grind of living in the U.S. for two weeks. Meals, drinks, snacks, and local transport add up fast—especially on non-match days when you'll want to explore. Everyone's travel style is different: some will keep it low-cost, others will go all out, and plenty will find themselves camped at the nearest sports bar (hello, bigger bar tab). And don't forget the tipping culture—in America, every meal and ride comes with an extra courtesy cost. For two people on a low-to-mid-range budget, estimate around £3,000 just for living expenses.
Whether you're packing your lucky jersey or planning a full fan pilgrimage, one thing's clear: this World Cup will test your loyalty—and your wallet.
