BRITISH football fans have ditched plans to go the World Cup in the US – saying they’d rather watch the action on the notorious Magaluf strip.
It comes amid furious backlash over ticket pricing for the tournament – with .
Brits in Magaluf say they’ll be heading to its famed strip to watch World Cup games Credit: Ian Whittaker
Harry Kane during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania Credit: Getty
as he slammed rip-off prices.
“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you,” the president told the New York Post .
Now fuming Brits gearing up for the much-anticipated showdown say they’re snubbing pricey tickets, hotels and flights – and heading straight for booze-soaked hotspots like Magaluf and Benidorm.
They insist it’s the only way to “actually enjoy” the huge event without sky-high costs killing the atmosphere.
Tickets for the final on July 19 are already being advertised for just under $2.3million (£1.7m) on FIFA’s resale website.
But FIFA president Gianni Infantino shrugged off rocketing prices for tickets to the final, promising to personally deliver “a hot dog and a Coke” to any deep-pocketed fan who bought them.
His flippant reaction has not gone down with with England fans, however.
The Sun visited the popular Magaluf strip just weeks before the tournament begins to speak to British lads who say prices are “absolutely ridiculous”.
Swindon football fan Josh Fosters outside Linekers sports bar Credit: Ian Whittaker
Linekers Sports Bar manager Oli Adeybayo will welcome England fans during the tournament Credit: Ian Whittaker
fans are facing extortionate prices ahead of this summer’s competition in the US, Canada and Mexico to such an extent that it has brought the beautiful game to disrepute.
And FIFA this week sparked even more fury as they for the World Cup final – with top tier tickets going for £24,000.
Josh Foster, a die-hard Swindon Town fan, said: “I saw that one ticket was going for £11million pounds on resale,” as he sat with his mates at the infamous Linekers sports bar.
The footie fanatic admitted the incredible price was for the England final – although it might not even happen if they are disqualified.
With a pint in hand, soaking up the evening sun, the group said they would “much prefer” to watch it in Magaluf, insisting: “it’s not stupid money here.”
They raged: “Football is like a normal working man’s thing. Prices should be for everyone.
“They’re trying to see how much money they can get out of it.”
“It is a much better atmosphere here.”
Speaking with the legendary bar’s manager, he said: “Magaluf has always been a holiday destination for British people and it’s just like their second home.”
Oli Adebayo, who has worked at Linekers for 18 years, added it is “generally better for English people to come to Magaluf to watch the World Cup” rather than travel all the way to the US.
Ryan Sinclair manager at the Scottish sports bar Sinky’s bar on the Magaluf Strip Credit: Ian Whittaker
Football fans enjoy cheap beer while watching live football at the Benny Hill bar Credit: Ian Whittaker
“Because of high prices in America, they would enjoy their holiday here a lot more,” he said.
The 35-year-old said the bar will show every game with no entry fee, pints for under £4 and wallet-friendly deals of just £17.20 (20 euros) for five beers.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now posing a major threat to the United States’ expected $30 billion boom.
Hotel and flight sales have slumped, with one million tickets still unsold ahead of kick-off.
International fans are turning their backs on the tournament, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s US Hotel Outlook Report.
Nearly 80 per cent of hotels across nine host cities say they are running below expectations.
It has been suggested FIFA releasing 70 per cent of its room blocks triggered mass cancellations.
Some hotels have even reported bookings lower than a typical summer without a major tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, presents President Donald Trump with the new FIFA Club World Cup official ball Credit: AP
Fans will be cheering on England this summer Credit: Getty
Overseas fans appear increasingly reluctant to travel — with staff on the Magaluf strip urging them to flock to the Spanish party resort instead.
A manager at Benny Hill sports bar said they are serving San Miguel beers for just four euros (£3.46).
He also blasted the US’s strict drinking laws, pointing out the age limit of 21, saying it is far more relaxed and enjoyable in Magaluf.
Flights to Dallas for England’s clash with Croatia have soared past £800 on booking sites – often with multiple stops.
Speaking outside the bar, more lads said: “Why would we go to America when we can just watch it in Magaluf, it’s so much cheaper.”
A group of football fans from Sheffield claimed former FIFA president Sepp Blatter “ruined football”.
Blatter is currently serving a six-year ban from football for corruption.
Elliot Simpson said: “It’s now all about money and he has forgotten about the normal people.
“The normal people want to go out and have a beer.
“Coming to Magaluf or Benidorm, you can have a beer, you can have a normal drink and pay a normal amount.”
Finn Edge, 23, insisted: “Football is for the working class-people. It is for us.”
“If I was given a free ticket to go to the World Cup tomorrow, I would turn it down.
“Absolutely over my dead body am I going over there.
“If it was in Spain, Portugal or Morocco I would go in a heartbeat. I would love to.”
Scottish fans are also gearing up for the tournament, with their opener against Haiti on June 15.
The Sun visited the Scottish Sports bar Sinky’s on the island, where owner Ryan Sinclair is braced for an influx of fans.
He said: “I think this is a much better location to the US because of prices.”
The long-running sports bar will show every game, with pints priced at just £3.29.
Ryan said he has seen some astronomical ticket prices as high as £10,000.
The 34-year-old added: “It’s much cheaper and safer here.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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