European football fans question cost of attending 2026 World Cup

As preparations continue across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many European football supporters are beginning to ask whether following their team has become too expensive for ordinary fans.

The tournament will be the biggest in World Cup history, with matches spread across three countries and 48 participating teams. But supporters in Germany told CGTN that soaring ticket prices, expensive flights and complicated travel arrangements are making attendance increasingly difficult.

Outside Union Berlin's Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, ahead of the club's final home game of the season, fans spoke about the growing financial pressure surrounding major international tournaments.

"It's pretty far, it's not just around the corner and it's very expensive," one supporter said.

Others argued the issue goes beyond money. Patrick, an Augsburg supporter in Berlin to see his side play, said concerns about the political climate in the United States had also influenced his decision not to travel.

"Our German history teaches us lessons every day and that's the main reason why we shouldn't go there," he said.

But for Patrick, modern football's growing commercialization is the larger concern.

"Football comes from the worker class," he said. "We just want to support our team and have a good time."

Across the US, preparations are already underway for what FIFA describes as the largest World Cup ever staged. In Atlanta, ground staff are maintaining indoor FIFA-standard pitches under artificial grow lights, while cities like New York are preparing for an expected influx of international visitors.

Despite the concerns, many supporters are still determined to travel.

Richard, an American living in Germany, told CGTN he and his group had already booked flights to the tournament despite failing to secure match tickets through official ballots.

"We tried to get tickets," he said. "None of us got drawn."

'Too expensive'

Even so, he admitted prices were too expensive for his group.

"The prices exceeded what we were willing to pay. It's too expensive," he said.

For younger supporters, the costs can be even more difficult to manage. 

English football coach Kyle Ashton said one of his friends had spent nearly $2,000 on Scotland group-stage tickets alone.

"He is dipping into his final student loan," Ashton said.

While excitement surrounding the tournament remains high, many supporters fear football's biggest event is increasingly becoming a luxury experience rather than a celebration accessible to ordinary fans.