Spain's dream in the New York final comes true, but it costs a minimum of 10,000 euros

Spain’s dream of reaching the World Cup final in New York has become reality, but at a steep price, minimum 10,000 euros. The nation celebrated its historic victory over France in the semifinals in Dallas, and thousands of Spaniards woke up Wednesday with smiles on their faces, yet grappling with difficult questions: Could they afford to spend 10,000 euros to watch Spain play in the final? How would they explain this expense to their partner? Would they have to cut back on vacations or miss out on time with one of their children? Were they foolish to spend such a sum, or foolish to not? The cost of attending the final, held in New York/Northern New Jersey, has sparked widespread discussion among fans. For non-family members, those without connections to players like Marc Cucurella, or friends of sponsors, the minimum price starts at around 10,000 euros. This figure is comparable to packages offered by travel agencies such as Halcón Viajes and Athlos, which range from 8,900 to 12,800 euros. These packages include flights arriving midday, attendance at the match, and departure later the same evening, leaving fans without the full experience of the city's atmosphere. The package prices exclude many essential expenses. Transportation to the stadium, for example, has skyrocketed, with train tickets increasing from 14 to 98 dollars (around 85 euros). Drinks at the venue cost 20 dollars (17 euros), while food is both expensive and of questionable quality. Even these so-called “cheap” tickets offer little comfort, as they are typically located in the farthest rows of the stadium, offering little more than a view of the field from a distance. The stadium, capable of holding over 80,000 spectators, will host the final at 3 p.m., under temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius. Fans like Luis, who has traveled with Spain to international tournaments before, say he’ll likely stay home this year due to the exorbitant costs. He plans to try to find contacts in New York to avoid the expense. Álvaro, working in finance in New York, says he might spend 6,000–7,000 euros, but only for a ticket that offers a better viewing position. He spends Wednesday scanning all platforms for re-sold tickets, concluding there is nothing cheap. Prices double once you move down from the top tier, and even within sections, they vary widely. There’s also the risk of sitting near opposing fans, making the purchase uncertain. The cost of decent seats, closer to the pitch, currently stands at around 12,000 euros on resale platforms. These prices could change depending on the opponent. If Argentina, known for its passionate fanbase, makes it to the final, they might sell their homes for a ticket. On the other hand, England, which hasn’t won the World Cup since 1966, has a large following in New York, and their fans may have greater purchasing power. For accommodation, options near Times Square remain available at around 400 euros per night. The area is well-connected to the rest of the city, with easy access to airports and transportation to the stadium. Flights, though not inexpensive, are manageable for last-minute bookings. A direct flight from Iberia costs around 1,400 euros, while others with layovers can be found for approximately 1,000 euros. Fans are advised to hope for a game without extra time, as late departures could mean missing flights. César, a Spanish doctor living in New York, jokes that he might end up buying a house just to attend the final. His budget limit is set at 4,000 euros, and even that feels like a stretch. As the final approaches, the debate continues: Is it worth it? Or is it simply too costly?