Experiencing a World Cup is not cheap, and the upcoming event to be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada will be no exception — it could cost around 30% of the average annual income of Mexicans.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a shared celebration between Mexico, the United States, and Canada, but for Mexican fans, securing a seat in the stadium involves a significant financial effort — estimated at between 38,000 and 69,000 pesos per person to attend at least one match.
The Price of Fulfilling the Dream of Attending a World Cup
On average, a ticket will cost between 5,000 and 8,000 pesos, which translates to working 18 to 29 days at minimum wage. However, when factoring in flights, accommodation, and other expenses, the total cost can amount to about 30% of the average annual income of a formal worker in Mexico.
To put this into perspective, attending three live matches could cost the same as paying one to three months’ rent in Mexico City, covering ten basic family grocery baskets, or funding an entire vacation in Cancún, according to an analysis by Kueski, an online microloan company.
While the upcoming World Cup offers the advantage of proximity for Mexicans—unlike Qatar 2022— the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most expensive ever, projected to be 10% to 20% more costly than Brazil 2014, due to global inflation and rising airfare prices.
In this context, inequality becomes more evident: for an American, the expense is equivalent to less than one month’s salary, while for a Mexican, it could mean spending an entire year’s worth of savings.
How to Plan Your Spending and Avoid Losing in Extra Time
The excitement around the World Cup isn’t limited to travel — it also includes buying jerseys, TVs, and going out to bars, all of which contribute to what’s known as emotional spending. This kind of impulsive enthusiasm can easily lead to long-term debt.
To avoid financial pitfalls, experts suggest taking preventative steps:
– Start saving early, setting up a dedicated World Cup fund.
– Book flights and accommodations well in advance — this can cut costs by up to double-digit percentages.
– Buy tickets only through official channels to avoid scams and inflated resale prices.
– Organize payments using financial tools like installment plans or savings features in banking apps.
Common mistakes include delaying savings, budgeting only for the ticket while overlooking accommodation and transportation, or leaving purchases to the last minute — often doubling the total expense.
Also keep in mind that most fans won’t travel to the matches, leading instead to family gatherings, which still require planning. Budgeting for food and drinks to watch a game at home can rival the cost of a quick vacation if not managed wisely.
While a match lasts just 90 minutes, a bad financial decision could impact you for years. With discipline and early planning, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy the World Cup without letting your passion for the game throw your finances offside.