The Costs of Following the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to commence on June 11, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For fans, one of the primary concerns is the financial burden associated with attending matches. While ticket prices have garnered the most attention, other costs such as hotels, transportation, concessions, and merchandise are also significant factors.

This raises the question: what might it cost to follow the U.S. men's national team (USMNT) throughout the tournament? To explore this, we consider the perspective of a hypothetical USMNT supporter living in Los Angeles—likely the best city for attending multiple matches, as it will host at least two during the group stage.

The figures presented are illustrative and not definitive, representing just one of many potential experiences throughout the tournament for the U.S. All listed prices are subject to change. Even in the most favorable scenario, the overall cost of this once-in-a-lifetime experience highlights how financially accessible—or inaccessible—the World Cup may be.

Imagine your workspace adorned with memorabilia: jerseys of Christian Pulisic, Clint Dempsey, and Claudio Reyna, a Dos a Cero mug, and a framed print of Landon Donovan signed by the 2002 World Cup team. You've dreamed of following the USMNT in a home World Cup since childhood, inspired by your parents' stories of the 1994 tournament.

Living in Los Angeles, the prospect of attending seemed daunting—until the FIFA random selection draw results arrived in January. You successfully secured tickets for every USMNT group stage game, including two local games at SoFi Stadium, home to the Rams and Chargers.

However, the excitement quickly wanes as you begin calculating the costs. You knew the ticket prices entering the draw, with the most expensive ticket for the USMNT's opening match against Paraguay costing $1,120. Altogether, the expenses are substantial.

Despite the financial implications, you decide to attend the World Cup. Ticket prices have escalated significantly, with a 164% increase in costs for sporting events across the U.S. since January 2000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while inflation has increased by only 95% during the same period.

FIFA has distributed World Cup tickets in phases since September, but access to face-value tickets has been limited. Fans had to request the right to purchase tickets, with a random draw determining who could buy them. In the most recent sales phase, FIFA reported receiving 500 million ticket requests for approximately 6 million available tickets, indicating poor odds for fans.

Tickets are categorized into four pricing tiers, with Category 1 being the most expensive and Category 4 the most affordable. For this analysis, Category 3 tickets were utilized. Initially, FIFA announced prices ranging from $60 for group stage matches to $6,730 for the final. However, subsequent ticket releases in December revealed higher-than-expected prices and eliminated the $60 option, leading to backlash from fans.

In response, FIFA reduced prices for loyal supporters by allowing national federations to distribute some $60 tickets, although these represent a small fraction of total availability, leaving many fans dissatisfied. Recently, a European supporters' group filed a formal complaint with the European Commission regarding ticket prices.

The ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup starkly contrast those from previous tournaments. For example, during the last World Cup in the U.S. in 1994, Category 1 group stage tickets for the USMNT cost $50 (equivalent to $112 today), while the cheapest ticket for 2026 is priced at $700.

As the USMNT's opening match on June 12 approaches, you don your new kit and drive the short distance to SoFi Stadium. After several attempts, you finally find a spot in the crowded parking lot, which costs $300, and you still have a mile to walk to the entrance. Despite the expenses, you believe it's worth it for the experience.

The atmosphere outside the stadium is electric, with children playing soccer and the aroma of grilled food wafting through the air. The U.S. faces a formidable Paraguay, but the home team is favored. When striker Folarin Balogun scores, you and the crowd erupt in cheers, celebrating a 3-1 victory.

The next match takes the U.S. to Seattle, so you fly there and rent a car. Although hotel prices near Lumen Stadium have skyrocketed, you manage to secure tickets for just $265. Feeling confident, you watch the U.S. secure a 2-0 win against Australia, a victory that solidifies their place in the knockout rounds.

As you fly back to Los Angeles, fellow passengers join in singing one of the team's anthems, filling the cabin with team spirit. Hotel price hikes during major events are not uncommon, with previous World Cups seeing rates rise significantly. Ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, hotels raised rates by as much as 583%.

According to The Athletic, hotel prices in 2026 World Cup host cities surged over 300% following the December draw that announced match locations. The costs analyzed here are averages from five hotels (three stars or less) closest to each venue, based on availability as of February 17 for two-night stays.

With the U.S. advancing in the tournament, you realize that waiting to purchase tickets and book travel was wise, as match locations depend on group standings. However, as you check FIFA's resale marketplace, you find that the prices for knockout stage tickets have more than tripled compared to your earlier purchases.

Despite the financial stress, you push these worries aside and savor the experience.