England superfan Steve Jackson took more than 17 hours to travel from New York to Atlanta by bus to watch the World Cup. The 62-year-old from Bournemouth, Dorset, arrived exhausted at Atlanta bus station, describing the journey as an "absolute nightmare."
Gruelling Journey Details
Steve left New York at 6pm and arrived at 11.30am, enduring three bus changes and seven pick-ups. He struggled to sleep due to discomfort and lacked a phone charging point. Despite the ordeal, he saved money by choosing the bus over flying, as one-way flights from New York to Atlanta cost up to £700.
High Costs for Fans
Steve said the extortionate cost of following England at the World Cup is "punishing the working class man and woman." Many fans noted that ticket, hotel, and travel prices are too high. Gary Taylor, 64, a successful estate agent and FA "top capper," secured a final ticket for £46 but paid £3,170 for his girlfriend Jo Lewis's ticket. He called FIFA's prices "disgustingly high" and urged a review for the 2030 tournament.
Call for Change
Alan Thomas, 67, from Reading, said: "This must be the last tournament that Fifa can get away with this. I know Gianni Infantino is being looked at by various authorities and it's time for change. The prices have risen so much since Qatar four years ago - it's got to stop."
