At the most expensive World Cup, wealthier fans find ways to pay
Jun 28, 2026
Washington [US], June 28: In 1978, a pair of Scotland fans with little money hitched a lift on a ship across the Atlantic to Argentina, repainting it as they went to pay their way, in the ultimate World Cup budget journey featured in a BBC television documentary.
For decades, low-income supporters have taken buses and trains or hitchhiked to see their heroes.
Thousands of people from across South America found a way to make the Brazil World Cup in 2014 affordable by travelling and sleeping in camper vans.
This year, spiralling prices for tickets and accommodation alike have pushed the tournament further ever into the hands of those with higher incomes.
"You've got to pay to play," said Mike Gill, a British real estate developer based in Canada who was supporting England against Ghana near Boston on Tuesday. "It's extortionate but people are paying the prices, so what are you going to do?"
Greg Connor, owner of an automotive repair business in Oklahoma, said he spent $9,600 for four tickets for his family to see France play Norway on Friday.
"It's insane," Connor said. "We were considering going to five or six games, but we're just going to the one."
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Cooperation
