FOREX Football Index World Cup 2026

What does it cost to go to the World Cup matches in 2026?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events of the year and Sweden has qualified for the competition. Will it be more than a bronze medal when Sweden crosses the Atlantic again 32 years later? That remains to be seen. On the other hand, it is clear that it is a costly experience to cheer on the blue and yellow from the stands.

The FOREX Football Index provides an overall picture of the cost of watching Sweden's group stage matches against Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan on site in the United States and Mexico on 15–25 June.

Football Index World Cup - How much it costs

The match ticket – the big cost

For many , match tickets are by far the biggest expense item in the World Cup travel fund, especially if you have not managed to secure a 60-dollar supporter ticket. Since the dynamic pricing took effect in April, tickets generally cost thousands of kronor.

Sweden – Tunisia in Monterrey

Mexican Monterrey has an index of 115 in the FOREX Football Index, which means that the cost is about 15% higher than if the championship took place in Stockholm (index 100).

It is worth bearing in mind that Mexico, according to the FOREX Holiday Index 2025, is generally 54% cheaper than in Sweden, and the high index figure in the FOREX Football Index is due to the pressure on hotels and match tickets.   

Sweden – Netherlands in Houston

Houston, Texas, is about 55% more expensive than Stockholm. However, everyday costs are at about the same level as at home; Just like in the other host cities, it is above all the World Cup effect on hotel prices and match tickets that drives up the index figure.

Sweden – Japan in Dallas

Dallas, with an index of 157, is by far the most expensive city during the group stages. There it costs almost 60% more than in Stockholm.

FOREX tips for a smooth World Cup trip

Reduce unnecessary fees

• Buy US dollars and Mexican peso before your trip to avoid expensive withdrawal fees and currency surcharges when using cards. 
• With FOREX Credit Card, there are no currency surcharges on purchases and no withdrawal fees for cash withdrawals outside the EU/EEA. 
• Select your local currency if your card reader offers currency conversion (DCC). Then you get a better exchange rate than the one set by the payment provider.

Consider the hidden costs 

• Tipping is expected in the United States. In a restaurant, 18–25% is standard for good service.
• In the United States, sales tax (VAT) is added only at checkout or when the bill arrives. Sales tax can vary by state and city. In Dallas and Houston, it is 8.25%.

Cash keeps track of your travel budget

• Cash provides a clear overview of how much you're spending.

Combining cash and cards

• Then you are prepared for any situation – such as when the card terminal does not work or you need to pay contactless on public transport.

 Bring dollars and peso in smaller denominations

• Even cash is convenient for tipping. In the United States, the tipping culture is widespread, you tip everyone from the piccolo to the barista and the bartender. Cash is appreciated!
• In Mexico, cash for smaller purchases and in places that do not accept cards or have a minimum amount for card payment.

About FOREX VM 2026 Cost Index

FOREX World Cup 2026 Cost Index shows an estimated cost for two adult Swedes to follow Sweden's group stage matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and compares the cost with a corresponding football weekend in Stockholm. The index includes three nights per city, match tickets, hotels, car rentals, food and beverages, tips, souvenirs and other travel expenses.

The index is based on a weighting of price data from official ticket sources, hotel search engines and international cost databases, as well as travel and budget sources, including FIFA, the Swedish Football Association, Booking.com, Numbeo, Expatistan and other publicly available sources. All prices have been quality assured through comparisons between several data sources and have been converted to Swedish kronor based on current exchange rates at the time of compilation.

The index gives a price indication

The World Cup Index has been developed to provide travellers, supporters and tourists with guidance on the expected cost level of Sweden's World Cup matches. The result should be seen as an indication rather than an exact cost. Actual prices may vary depending on when bookings are made, availability, ticket category, hotel standard, exchange rate changes, local taxes, tipping levels and individual consumption patterns.

All prices are estimated based on the information available during the current survey period. In particular, hotel and match ticket prices can change rapidly ahead of major events such as the World Cup and should therefore be seen as indicative rather than guaranteed costs.