Insane costs and 'luck in many ways': What it's really like to attend the World Cup

Record-setting ticket prices shut many football fans out of this year's tournament. We asked four groups who actually made the trip what the experience was like.

German honeymooners who snuck a match into their itinerary. Croatians and Americans who splurged on once-in-a-lifetime trips. Scots who scrimped wherever they could. 

The 2026 World Cup is easily the most expensive in history. Prices for many first-round games range from $350 to $5,000 (£260 to £3,735), and that's before factoring in flights, hotels and hundreds of other incidentals. There were real fears that such high costs would lead to empty stadiums or price out real fans. 

Instead, stadiums have been packed across the US, Mexico and Canada – many of the seats filled with loyal fans who are making it work. For sheer love of the game, they've found ways, big and small, to keep the budget down (or rationalise their spending).  

One week in, this is the story of how four groups of friends scored tickets and what it's really like to attend this World Cup.

The Croatian mega-fans

Who: Tomislav Špoljarić, 43; Danijel Koprivnjak, 38; Zoran Kos, 46; Milan Pavic, 55  

Home cities: Zagreb, Krapina and Ludbreg, Croatia   

Match: All Croatia matches, plus the opening game, Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City (11 June) 

Overall costs: Declined to share due to the evolving costs of an open-ended trip, but paid $60 (£45) per ticket  

Tomislav Špoljarić and his friends are used to travelling to games – they attend each and every match the Croatian national team plays. They're such a common sight, even the players now greet them. 

When Croatia qualified for this year's World Cup, nothing could have kept them away. Luckily, their fan status scored them tickets for just $60, allowing them to plan a mammoth 35-day trip through Mexico, the US and Canada with tickets to each Croatia match, plus the opening game in Mexico City. The group was so keen to see the opener live at the legendary Estadio Azteca that they booked flights to Mexico City last year, even before they knew where Croatia would play. They booked their other flights five to six months in advance to get the best prices and have endeavored to keep both meal and hotel costs low.

When the BBC caught up with Špoljarić and his friends the day after the opening game, he raved about the fantastic vibes, starting with the sense of excitement in the air on the approach to the stadium. He praised Shakira's opening performance and reported snagging a selfie with Italian sportscaster Diletta Leotta: "The combination of music, culture and football created an incredible atmosphere that made the event feel much bigger than just a football match."

That celebratory mood was also palpable outside the stadium, said Špoljarić, who enjoyed the attention the group got in their distinctive red and white chequered Croatian football shirts. Like Špoljarić and his friends, the crowds of singing and cheering Mexican fans were enjoying every moment, and eager to share their football traditions with visitors.  

Would it have been worth it even if tickets had cost more than $60?

"Absolutely," said Špoljarić. "We are all delighted that we decided to embark on this unforgettable football journey together."

Where will the journey take them next? After Mexico, the group will fly to Las Vegas, then rent a car to drive to Dallas in time to see Croatia play its first match against England. They plan to drive Route 66 all the way up to Niagara Falls. But their route depends on where Croatia finishes in the group: "It would be a dream come........

© BBC