The World Cup is held in three countries, but how much can it cost to follow the national team?
Accommodation is where the budget can easily spiral out of control. In cities like Dallas, a mid-range hotel can cost between US$ 300 and US$ 600 per night during high-demand dates. In Kansas City, prices range from US$ 180 to US$ 500. Official daily expense references suggest budgets of US$ 135-170 just for the room, but during the World Cup, these numbers can easily be exceeded.
To gauge the total expense, three scenarios can be considered for a 10-night trip following the group stage in two U.S. venues. The budget option, with economical flights, basic tickets, and reasonable hotels, is around US$ 5,500 per person. The mid-range option, with better accommodation and locations, falls between US$ 10,000 and US$ 12,000. The high-end option, with everything premium, easily exceeds US$ 18,000.
The key to saving is anticipation. The expenses that increase the most are those that depend on demand: flights and hotels. Additionally, FIFA offers the FIFA PASS to expedite consular procedures for those who already have tickets.
In summary, going to the 2026 World Cup is not cheap and requires detailed planning. Argentine fans will need to carefully evaluate how many matches they want to see and in which cities to create a realistic budget that includes all expenses: paperwork, transportation, accommodation, and tickets.
Going to the 2026 World Cup from Argentina represents a significant challenge for fans who want to experience it. For the first time, the tournament will be shared between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with matches in 16 different cities, which requires planning the entire budget well in advance.
The initial paperwork is key, and many underestimate it. A regular Argentine passport costs around $100,000, while the express and instant versions rise to $200,000 and $330,000 respectively. For the United States, a B1/B2 visa is required, costing US$ 185. In Canada, you need to apply for a Visitor Visa at an approximate cost of 185 Canadian dollars, including biometrics. Mexico, on the other hand, does not require a visa for Argentines with a regular passport for stays of up to 180 days.
Tickets are one of the most variable expenses. Although low initial prices were announced, the reality shows that values have skyrocketed. In the group stage, prices can be found starting from US$ 82 in the economy category to over US$ 400 in the best locations. Official hospitality packages start at US$ 1,350 per match and can reach several thousand if you want to follow the National Team through various stages.
Flights from Buenos Aires represent another significant expense. Round trip to Dallas ranges from US$ 1,200 to US$ 1,500 depending on the date, while to New York there are options starting from US$ 760. Additionally, internal transfers between venues can add between US$ 190 and US$ 300 per leg.
