If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already started dreaming about the World Cup 2026. The crowds, energy, and once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the world’s biggest soccer tournament come to North America will finally come true.
But there’s just one thing… It’s not going to be cheap.
That’s why I wanted to share a simple, step-by-step guide on how to budget for the World Cup 2026! This is so you can enjoy the excitement without coming home to a drained bank account.
Why the World Cup 2026 Will Be More Expensive Than Ever
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This means:
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Longer travel distances
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Higher hotel demand
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More stadium cities (so more planning)
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And, yes, higher costs overall
But don’t worry because if you start now, you’ll have time to plan, save, and score big (without going into debt).
How Much Will the World Cup 2026 Cost?
Here’s what you might expect to pay if you’re planning to attend:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flight | $400 – $900+ |
| Game ticket (per match) | $80 – $350+ |
| Hotels (per night) | $150 – $400 |
| Food + transport (daily) | $50 – $100 |
| FIFA merch + extras | $100 – $300 |
Total for a 5-day trip with 2 games: around $1,500 – $3,000+
Yup — that’s a lot of money. But also 100% doable with smart planning.
How to Budget for the World Cup 2026 (Starting Now)
1. Open a World Cup 2026 Savings Account
Start a separate savings account just for this event. Set up auto-deposits as even $50/week adds up to $7,800 by summer 2026.
I use EQ Bank and Wealthsimple for this kind of goal-based saving (check if there’s a bonus for signing up!).
2. Use a Rewards Credit Card for Travel Points
You might not realize it, but your everyday spending could cover most of your World Cup travel.
Top cards for Canadians:
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American Express Cobalt – 5x points on food/dining (perfect for game-day meals)
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Scotiabank Passport Visa – no foreign transaction fees + travel insurance
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TD Aeroplan Visa – earn points you can use for flights to US or Mexico
These cards often come with 20,000–60,000 point welcome bonuses which is enough for free flights or hotels. Just make sure to pay your balance in full every month.
3. Track Early FIFA Ticket Drops
Sign up on the official FIFA ticketing site and follow related subreddits and blogs. Prices rise fast so early planning = cheaper seats.
My FIFA Travel Planning Strategy
To make the most of the World Cup 2026 without spending a fortune, here’s what I’m personally doing:
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Saving $200/month starting now
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Using my Amex Cobalt for groceries to rack up points
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Watching travel deal sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights & Hopper
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Planning to stay slightly outside major cities (hello, Airbnb!)
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Budgeting for merch & experience over VIP tickets
Even if I just go to one game in Toronto or New York and it’ll be 100% worth it. And I won’t have to go into credit card debt to do it.
Side Hustle Ideas to Fund Your Trip
Want to make extra money just for the World Cup 2026? Here are a few easy ideas:
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Start a World Cup-themed Etsy shop or TikTok channel (think merch, art, or digital downloads)
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Drive for Uber during the games (especially if you live near a host city)
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Resell soccer gear or collectibles
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Freelance online (Upwork, Fiverr, or writing for soccer sites!)
Even $100/month from a side hustle gives you over $2,400 by kickoff.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Money Keep You from the World Cup 2026
You don’t need to be rich to enjoy one of the greatest events in sports.
You just need:
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A plan
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A few good money moves
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And the motivation to start early
The World Cup 2026 is more than a sports event, it’s a memory in the making. So let’s make sure you can enjoy it without worrying about money.
Ready to Start Saving?
If you’re planning your trip or just dreaming about it, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear:
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Where you’re hoping to go
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What match you’re dying to see
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Or how you’re planning to budget for it!
Let’s make it happen, together!
