As the World Cup prepares to kick off in Mexico, soccer enthusiasts across the United States are finding alternative ways to engage with the sport. With ticket prices for the World Cup reaching exorbitant levels, many families are opting to attend international friendlies held in various U.S. cities. These exhibition matches provide an accessible and affordable way for fans to enjoy the excitement of international soccer.

Local Matches Offer Affordable Alternatives

In cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, fans have gathered to watch teams like the USA and Senegal compete. Jay Jhaveri, a fan from Long Island, chose to travel to Charlotte with his family rather than attend a World Cup match closer to home due to the high costs. He noted that attending a World Cup game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey would have been significantly more expensive.

Jhaveri explained, “It was 10-fold, to be honest with you. With a family of five, it would have been 20-fold.” He calculated that World Cup ticket prices for the final in New Jersey start at $15,000 to $20,000 each, with prices near the field reaching $90,000. For many families, these costs are prohibitive.

Vibrant Atmosphere at Friendlies

The atmosphere at these friendly matches has been electric, with fans from various countries coming together to support their teams. In Charlotte, the red, white, and blue of U.S. fans mingled with the green of Senegalese supporters, creating a lively scene at Bank of America Stadium.

Kim, a fan from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to support the U.S. team close to home. “It was so close to home and I think it’s a great opportunity for all of the fans who aren’t able to go to the World Cup games to support the team,” she said.

Mo Ndiaye, a Senegal fan, also chose to attend the Charlotte match due to the high cost of attending games in New York. “It’s almost like $2,000 per ticket, that’s outrageous,” he remarked. The affordability of these friendlies has made them an attractive option for fans who want to experience international soccer without breaking the bank.

Upcoming Matches Across the U.S.

As the World Cup approaches, more friendly matches are scheduled across the country. High-profile games include the USA vs. Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, England vs. New Zealand in Tampa, Florida, and Argentina vs. Honduras at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. These events offer fans a chance to witness top-tier soccer and create lasting memories with their families.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.