General view of the Adidas Trionda, official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt McNulty - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring millions of fans to North America, but where you choose to watch a match could have a major impact on your wallet.
According to an analysis by LendingTree, attending a group-stage World Cup match in the United States will cost the average fan more than $2,100 when factoring in a ticket, airfare, hotel accommodations, food, local transportation and other expenses. But that average masks significant differences from city to city.
Some host cities offer a far more affordable World Cup experience than others. Atlanta, for example, is among the least expensive destinations for fans, while matches in the New York/New Jersey area come with some of the highest overall costs. Houston hosts the cheapest group-stage match analyzed by LendingTree, highlighting how travel, lodging and local prices can dramatically influence the total cost of attending the tournament.
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Where are the cheapest and most expensive tickets?
By the numbers:
For fans hoping to attend the World Cup without breaking the bank, the host city can make a significant difference.
A LendingTree analysis found that the average cost of attending a group-stage match in the New York/New Jersey area is nearly $3,000 per person, making it the most expensive U.S. host market. By comparison, Atlanta is the cheapest, with an estimated average cost of $1,642 — about 45% lower and more than $1,300 less than New York/New Jersey.
The gap highlights how travel, lodging and local expenses can dramatically affect the overall price of a World Cup trip. In addition to New York/New Jersey, Boston ($2,779) and Miami ($2,524) are the only U.S. host cities where average attendance costs exceed $2,500 per person, according to LendingTree.
At the other end of the spectrum, Atlanta, Kansas City, the San Francisco Bay Area and Houston all have estimated average attendance costs of $1,756 or less, offering fans a more affordable path to seeing the world's biggest soccer tournament in person.
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How to save money on the World Cup
What you can do:
Book early. Airfare and hotel rates often climb as major sporting events approach. Locking in travel plans well ahead of time can help avoid last-minute price spikes.
Look beyond the host city. Hotels near stadiums typically command the highest rates. Staying in nearby suburbs or neighboring cities with good transit connections can lead to substantial savings.
Split costs with friends or family. Sharing hotel rooms, rental cars and rideshares can significantly lower the per-person cost of attending a match.
Set a spending limit. The excitement of a once-in-a-generation event can make it easy to overspend. Establishing a budget before purchasing tickets can help keep expenses in check.
Make watching from home an event. Hosting a watch party, preparing food inspired by the competing nations or decorating for the tournament can recreate some of the World Cup atmosphere at a fraction of the cost.
Seek out free viewing opportunities. Bars, restaurants and public watch parties are expected to screen matches throughout the tournament, offering fans a lively environment without the expense of travel.
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Methodology:
To estimate the cost of attending a 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match, LendingTree analyzed publicly available data on ticket prices, airfare, lodging, food and incidental expenses, and local transportation. The model assumes one attendee per trip and includes the lowest available SeatGeek resale ticket price, estimated round-trip airfare based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, two nights of hotel accommodations, three days of food and incidental spending adjusted for local cost-of-living differences, and transportation to and from the stadium on match day.
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In addition, LendingTree commissioned QuestionPro to survey 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 to 80 from May 4-6, 2026, using a nonprobability-based sample designed to reflect the broader population. For generational comparisons, respondents were grouped as Generation Z (18-29), Millennials (30-45), Generation X (46-61) and Baby Boomers (62-80).
How to watch
- June 12, 2026: USA vs Paraguay Live — Los Angeles Stadium (6 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. ET)
- June 19, 2026: USA vs Australia Live — Seattle Stadium (12 p.m. PT/ 3 p.m. ET)
- June 25, 2026: USA vs Türkiye Live — Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California (7 p.m. PT/ 10 p.m. ET)
Outside of watching the championship on live TV, there are several options audiences can choose from to enjoy the soccer matches.
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One free option is through FIFA+ and select YouTube streams. It will also be available for free on Australia’s SBS On Demand.
Other paid options include:
The Source: This story is based on a news release from LendingTree, which analyzed the estimated cost of attending 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches in the United States. This story was reported from Los Angeles.