Here’s How Much It Costs to Attend the 2026 World Cup

Peter Richardson is a vice president of Planning Excellence at Northwestern Mutual.

For the first time in over three decades, the FIFA World Cup will kick off in North America. Being in the stadium to feel the electric energy of the crowd is one of those bucket‑list experiences that feels unmissable—until you start adding up the actual prices. Between tickets, travel, lodging, food, and time off work, attending the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico can quickly become a major financial commitment.

The good news is that planning ahead can help you enjoy the event stress-free. Just as athletes must train for their big event, you may need to curb spending or sell assets to be ready.

Costs of attending the World Cup

While no two World Cup trips look the same, most budgets break down into a familiar starting lineup of expenses. Think of this guide as your pre-match warmup: what it costs, where the money goes, and how to avoid financial fouls along the way.

Seats and tickets

Tickets are the star players of any World Cup budget—and often the most talked‑about part of the roster. Prices range dramatically depending on the match, seating category, and how you buy them. And with the tournament spanning 104 games across 16 cities, there are plenty of options.

There are four ticket categories, ranging from expensive and close to the action to less expensive and further away.

Group-stage matches to decide which teams will reach the knockout rounds (June 11–27) and less sought-after seats are typically the most affordable options. Prices rise significantly for knockout rounds, marquee matchups, and especially the final game on July 19. Hospitality packages and premium categories can cost several times more than standard tickets, while resale prices on the secondary marketplace often command a steep markup.

It’s worth remembering that while the most expensive World Cup tickets make headlines, many fans will attend matches at far lower price points. If you’re flexible on teams, cities, or seating locations, you may be able to snag tickets to a group stage game for under $300 each, according to USA Today. It could be a splurge that’s within reach.

Hotels and accommodations

Lodging is often one of the biggest—and least predictable—factors during the World Cup.

Room rates vary widely by host city and demand. Major metro areas and cities hosting high-profile matches tend to be far more expensive, especially for hotels near stadiums. Staying farther from the venue, choosing less-central neighborhoods, or considering short-term rentals can help reduce nightly rates.

If you plan to fly to a game outside the U.S., make sure you have a valid passport and check any visa requirements.

Host cities:

• Canada: Toronto and Vancouver
• Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey
• U.S.: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle

Fortunately, prices appear to be moving lower in some cases to match demand. An April sample of U.S. hotels from the New York Times ¹ found an average rate of $579 per night around opening World Cup games versus $1,034 for the same dates when checked earlier in 2026.

Airfare and transportation

Travel costs depend heavily on where you’re coming from and which host city you choose, although flexibility can help you score a better deal.

Domestic flights will typically be cheaper than international travel, but prices can surge around match weekends. Within host cities, public transit may be affordable—but ridesharing services often spike before and after matches. Several cities have also announced major hikes to public transport fees to get fans to the stadiums. This includes $105 for a roundtrip between New York’s Penn Station and the MetLife Stadium that will host eight games, including the final.

If you’re considering multiple games in different cities, factor in intercity travel (flights, trains, or long drives) so you aren’t caught offside.

Food, souvenirs, and other expenses

Even if tickets and lodging are under control, remember that smaller costs can add up and impact your budget.

Gameday food, drinks, and merchandise at or near stadiums tend to be priced at a premium. Add in dining out, local transportation, tipping, souvenirs, and possible pet boarding or childcare back home, and the total can quickly move over the line.

How to budget for a 2026 World Cup trip

Because the World Cup is a short‑term expense with a fixed deadline, budgeting tactics will work best. Even if you typically handle most travel expenses with a credit card, aim to have enough cash on hand to pay the bill to avoid carrying more credit than usual.

Keeping World Cup funds in a high-yield savings account can help your money earn interest while staying in the game.

Start cutting back sooner rather than later

Small changes in the weeks ahead are easier than big moves right before the trip. Reducing discretionary spending—like subscriptions, dining out, or hobby costs—can free up cash without changing your lifestyle overnight. And you won’t be alone. Our latest Consumer Sentiment survey² showed that nearly eight in 10 respondents (79 percent) said they’re willing to skip small indulgences to save for unforgettable events and experiences—the “core memories” they treasure.

Avoid short‑term decisions that create long‑term problems

When excitement kicks in, it’s easy to justify financial moves that linger long after the final whistle. But a great experience shouldn’t come at the cost of financial stress months—or years—later.

Try to avoid the following:

• Carrying high‑interest credit card debt or cash advances
• Ignoring ongoing obligations like student loans, car payments, or mortgages
• Pausing retirement or long‑term savings contributions
• Using a home equity line of credit, retirement accounts, or speculative “get‑rich‑quick” investments to fund the trip

Keep your eye on the goal

Attending the 2026 World Cup can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to far more, depending on how—and where—you do it. Ticket prices may grab the spotlight, but travel, lodging, and everyday expenses often have just as much impact on your bottom line.

By setting realistic expectations, prioritizing what matters most, and budgeting intentionally, you can enjoy the World Cup experience without sacrificing your broader financial goals.

If you’re weighing whether the trip fits into your game plan, your Northwestern Mutual financial advisor can help you look at the trade-offs—so the memories last longer than the bills.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^®, and CFP^® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.