England Superfan Andy Milne to Sell House for World Cup Adventure
In a bold move to support his national team, a dedicated England fan is putting his second home on the market to fund an extensive trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Andy Milne, a 62-year-old retired teacher based in Thailand, has announced plans to sell a property in northern England, valued at approximately £350,000 (around $465,000), to cover the costs of attending the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A Decade of Devotion to the Three Lions
This upcoming World Cup will mark Milne's tenth time supporting England at the global event, including nine men's tournaments and the 2023 Women's World Cup. Known among fans for often holding a replica World Cup trophy, he has become a cult figure in the England supporters' community. Milne explained his decision to British tabloid The Mirror, stating, "It is going on the market because I'm selling it to go to the World Cup. We have had a second home for 27 years so it felt like the right time to cash in."
He plans to embark on his journey on June 3, arriving in the U.S. for a seven-week stay to follow the entire tournament. "I definitely want to see the whole tournament. I am going to the U.S. on June 3 and will be there for seven weeks. So it will cost quite a lot of money," Milne added, highlighting the significant financial commitment required.
Itinerary and Financial Challenges
Milne's schedule includes attending England's group stage matches: the opener against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, a fixture against Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 23, and the final group game versus Panama in New Jersey on June 27. Beyond travel expenses between venues, he faces high ticket prices, a point of contention among fans worldwide.
In December, fan groups accused FIFA of a "monumental betrayal" when tickets went on general sale, with prices ranging from $140 for the cheapest group games to $8,680 for the final. FIFA responded by offering some seats at $60, but costs remain a barrier for many supporters. Milne's decision to sell his house underscores the extreme measures some fans are taking to participate in the event, reflecting broader concerns about affordability and accessibility in international sports.
