'Daylight robbery but worth it' - what fans are spending on World Cup

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: 'Daylight robbery but worth it' - what fans are spending on World Cup7 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleKayla Epstein, Jessica Murphy and Will GrantNew York, Toronto and Mexico City How much did these fans pay for their World Cup tickets? For many fans, going to the World Cup is a priceless, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But if you look into the costs, there are eye-watering sums of cash being spent.

From match tickets to flights and hotels, plus the travel to stadiums and the cost of a drink once inside, the costs of attending can add up fast. Five days into the tournament, football fans in the host nations of Mexico, Canada and the US have told the how much they are spending at the World Cup. Norwegian in US can't wait around till next World CupMorten Oftedal takes the phrase "once-in-a-lifetime" seriously.

The Details

A Norwegian now living in Atlanta, Georgia, he knows this summer was likely to be the only chance for his 82-year-old father to see their country play in the World Cup, after Norway qualified for the first time in 28 years. "I've been a huge soccer fan my whole life, and it's mostly due to dad," Oftedal told the . "I can't be like, 'no, let's do it next time, or somewhere else'.

So, we're very excited. "What did not excite him was the cost. Oftedal purchased three tickets to see Norway v Iraq in Massachusetts for $380 (£282) apiece.

Round-trip flights from Atlanta to Boston cost him 180,000 of his frequent flyer points for three tickets. And transport to the stadium will cost $80 round trip for each person. In total, Oftedal will spend about $3,600 worth of cash and points for himself, his father, and his wife to attend one match.

What Experts Say

It's a number that Oftedal described as "insane". "It's not really for individuals, I feel like it's for corporate America," Oftedal said of the 2026 tournament. Iain BagwellIain Bagwell (right) and his sonSeveral people told the their cost of attending the tournament stretched into the low thousands.

But they said their love of football and the memories they hoped to create eased the sting. "I paid about $1,200 for each ticket, for category 2," said Iain Bagwell, a 58-year-old Brit who lives in Atlanta and will take his son on a road trip to see England v Croatia in Dallas, Texas. "At the time I thought it was like daylight robbery.

But looking at the way it's going, and the way that Fifa handled it, it probably wasn't such a bad deal. "Bagwell and his son are camping during the journey to Dallas, for equal parts fun and thrift. After seeing England play, they will drive to Kansas City and watch Tunisia battle the Netherlands for $235 per ticket.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.