£640 a ticket? Why England fans in US may show next game a red card
Following England in the World Cup has already been expensive and logistically challenging; especially as uncertainty regarding knockout venues continues into Saturday night.
But if England’s win over Panama confirmed the geographical route to the final, the manner of the victory left some wondering whether it would offend.
England will play the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, the first time the two countries will meet.
But with tickets costing more than £640 plus flights, some fans wonder whether this could have been saved better had England gone deeper into the tournament.
Beat the 46th best team in the world and England will head to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, scene of Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal, and a potential last-16 clash with Mexico.
Luke Carey, 25, from Watford, said: ‘I’m heading straight to Mexico where I hope to be in the round of 16.
‘This has been the journey of a lifetime for me. It will cost £8,000 and includes tickets, travel, accommodation, food and drink.
‘I’ve got an Excel spreadsheet and it’s currently £600 under budget, which is a good thing; It’s like being in the World Race.’
Jude Bellingham celebrates England’s first goal against Panama on Saturday night
England fans celebrate the team’s 2-0 win over Panama after second-half goals from Bellingham and Harry Kane
Adam Alfandary, 39, originally from London but now living in New York, said after the 2-0 win over Panama: ‘It wasn’t quite exciting but we won. We came out on top of the group.
‘I thought, do I really want to spend $500 to fly to Atlanta to watch this? But I think I will.’
However, the hard-fought victory achieved with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane did not put everyone off.
Alfie Van Loo, 46, from Leatherhead in Surrey, said: ‘We were flat and poor until the goals but Kane and Bellingham got their money’s worth and the goal.
‘To be honest I wasn’t going to go to Atlanta, I was just going to focus on Mexico but on Sunday morning I went on the FIFA website and bought a £1,000 resale ticket. I’m so excited.’
England fans who attended all three group matches have already traveled 6,600 miles.
A further 5,000 miles are added to the final route and together with the flight home the grand total will be 15,000 miles should England reach the final.
With canned beers costing £15 a night and hotels £225 a night, some fans have already spent between £4,000 and £10,000.
