The most expensive World Cup in history: England fans face 5,000-mile odyssey as Three Lions head into last-32 clash
It was already the most expensive World Cup in history and now England fans face a 5,000-mile journey across North America that will stretch their wallets.
Large fans were left to speculate and gamble on possible travel plans following the tournament’s group stage.
Harry Kane and his side created a ‘nightmare’ for fans by failing to win the mid-group match against Ghana; This left uncertainty over their position in the Group L table and meant that until last night no one knew their route to the final.
Until the final whistle of England’s clash against Panama, hard-pressed fans were being forced to speculate on a dizzying array of possibilities, with Atlanta, Toronto, Mexico and Los Angeles as possible destinations.
The majority of fans backed the Three Lions to top Group L and have already booked flights to Atlanta for round 32 and Mexico City for round 16.
From there, if the dream remains alive, it’s Miami for the quarters, Atlanta again for the semi-finals, before the World Cup final to be played in New York on July 19 at the giant MetLife Stadium, where England played last night.
The 2026 World Cup is the biggest tournament ever, which will be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Fans flying from England for all three group matches have already traveled 6,600 miles.
A further 5,000 miles are added to the final route and with the flight home the grand total will be 15,000 miles if England make it to the final; This is more than half the world away.
England striker Harry Kane celebrates after doubling his team’s goal against Panama
England fans may have to travel a total of 14,850 miles during the World Cup
Fans have already spent between £4,000 and £10,000 on the 2026 World Cup, where canned beers are $20 a night and hotels are $300, and now their bank accounts are facing an even more eye-watering strain.
Thomas Concannon of the Football Supporters’ Association said last week’s 0-0 game against Ghana was a ‘nightmare’ for fans as the team’s failure to win created mass uncertainty about where to go next.
‘It’s very frustrating when fans plan ahead,’ he said. ‘They were looking at Atlanta, Toronto… a lot of people were gambling in Atlanta.’
Richie Slaughter, 35, of Hexham, Northumberland, said: ‘We had already booked flights to Atlanta and they were non-refundable.’
Others have booked Mexico in the belief that England will advance to the round of 16 at the legendary Azteca Stadium, scene of Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal.
Searches for flights from the UK to Mexico have increased by 5,000 per cent, according to Gilad Zilberman, co-founder of match ticket firm SeatPick, who said: ‘People are suddenly spending a month’s salary on a trip they wouldn’t have considered two weeks ago.’
During last night’s match in New York, Watford’s Luke Carey, 25, said: ’32. I will not go to the tour match. I’m going to Mexico where I hope to take part 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 have an Excel spreadsheet and it’s currently £600 under budget, which is a good thing; It’s like being in the World Race.’
