Ready to experience the magic of World Cup 2026 without breaking the bank? That will be a tall order. Considering the cheapest ticket is expected to be $323 per seat, next Summer’s World Cup in the USA promises to be an expensive endeavor. Especially when you include travel, lodging, and any other expenses associated with the festivities.
I remember attending the World Cup the last time it was in the US in 1994. What an incredible experience – the best global soccer event combined with an exposure to cultures and fans from all over the globe. It truly is a celebration that brings out the best in humanity.
Funding such an adventure can seem daunting. But you can do it! These little-known financial hacks will help you get there without digging too much into your savings (or going into debt).
Imagine cheering in the stands, surrounded by a sea of fans from around the world, all because you made savvy financial choices. From creative savings tips to travel tricks, we’ll explore some unexpected insights to make this dream a reality.
Tighten your seatbelt because you’re about to uncover strategies that might just change the way you fund all your future adventures!
1. Start Saving Like Yesterday
Let’s cut to the chase: the earlier you start saving, the better! Adopt a ‘pay yourself first’ approach by setting aside a portion of your income specifically for your World Cup fund. Treat this fund like a recurring expense—just as important as rent or groceries.
To make it effortless, automate your savings. Set up a recurring transfer to a dedicated savings account. Before you know it, those small contributions will snowball into something significant.
Pro tip: Rename your savings account to ‘Ticket to the World Cup’ for extra motivation every time you check your balance.
2. Maximize Credit Card Rewards
You’d be surprised how fast everyday purchases can translate into a free flight to your dream game destination. Many credit cards offer travel rewards or cash back on purchases, which can quickly add up.
Choose a card that offers the best benefits for your spending habits. If you frequently spend on dining and travel, opt for one that gives extra points in these categories. This is an easy way to fund travel and accommodations.
Just remember to keep an eye on the interest rates and pay off your balance monthly to avoid unnecessary fees.
3. Earn Extra Cash with Side Hustles
Everyone’s talking about side hustles these days, and they can be a game-changer for your World Cup fund. Whether it’s freelancing, tutoring, or even selling art on Etsy, putting a few extra hours in can make a huge difference.
Identify skills you already have or hobbies you can monetize. Love writing? Try your hand at freelance blogging. Good with crafts? Open an online store.
This can be a difficult thing to get started (coming from a soccer blogger!), so focus on something that will provide some kind of cash flow pretty quickly. Maybe it’s ubering in your spare time, or taking on some extra freelance projects on many of the freelance platforms. You could take on odd-jobs you find on Facebook or Craigslist. Maybe you could even flip some sought after goods. Think about what you’re good at or know a lot about, and go from there. Here are a few more ideas.
It can be a rewarding experience – not only will this extra cash accelerate your savings, but you might also discover a new passion or career path.
4. Score Deals on Accommodation
A World Cup trip doesn’t need to include five-star hotels. Platforms like Airbnb or Couchsurfing offer cheaper alternatives and unique local experiences.
Plan your stay in advance to avail early-bird discounts. Consider booking stays outside the host cities and commuting for matches to save money. My plan is to stay in a nearby city and find mass transit options on matchday.
Get creative—stay with local hosts or even swap homes with a fellow soccer enthusiast.
5. Travel Smart with Flight Deals
Skyscanner and Google Flights? They’re your new best friends. Track flight prices and set alerts for the best deals. Flying mid-week or from less popular airports can significantly cut costs.
Be flexible with departure dates and consider nearby airports for cheaper alternatives.
Look out for last-minute deals—sometimes, the greatest bargains come from impulsive decisions.
6. Budgeting Isn’t a Bad Word
Embrace budgeting by setting a realistic spending limit for your trip. This includes everything from match tickets to daily expenses.
Tools like Mint or YouNeedABudget can help keep track of your spending. Allocate funds for essentials first, then see what’s left for splurges.
By knowing exactly where your money goes, you’ll find more ways to pocket extra cash for your World Cup escapades.
It also helps to budget your monthly expenses to maximize your savings ahead of time.
7. Food and Fun on a Dime
Eating out in foreign lands is part of the fun, but flavors don’t have to be expensive. Seek out local markets, street food vendors, and hidden gems known to locals. Tourist traps are meant to take as much of your money as possible without regard for the quality of your experience. Do your research, talk to friends in the area, and make a plan for reasonable outings.
Want to socialize? Instead of pricey bars, explore free events or community meet-ups. Often, the most memorable moments come from these authentic experiences. An inexpensive authentic Mexican restaurant a few miles from the stadium can be a great place to “pre-game” a match, for instance, rather than an expensive bar by the stadium.
Remember, adventure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Get creative and find out what the locals do.
Conclusion: Ready, Set, Save!
Embracing these financial hacks can turn your World Cup daydreams into reality. Remember, a mix of smart planning, saving, and spending can make your 2026 World Cup attendance a masterpiece memory.
Share your stories, experiences, and tips with fellow fans and budget travelers. You’re on your way to creating a rich tapestry of international adventures.
Go ahead, start mapping your journey to the World Cup. Each saved dollar is a step closer to the excitement awaiting you.
