Croatian fans prepare for an expensive World Cup, appeal to Croatian community in the United States

by croatiaweek

January 14, 2026

in

Sport

(Photo credit: Bruno Correia/Public domain)

Like previous tournaments, there will be a large contingent of Croatian fans making there way out to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Unlike tournaments in Europe, where negotiating travel and a place to stay is not too bad from Croatia, this summer’s World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico is set to hit many fans hard in the pocket.

Croatia opens their World Cup against England in Dallas on June 17. They then meet Panama in Toronto six days later before facing Ghana on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Travel, accommodation and higher match ticket costs will deter some, but many fans are still determined to watch Croatia at yet another big tournament. 

One such supporter is Mihael Šunić, a 20-year-old from Vrpolje, near Đakovo in Slavonia. Šunić, who runs his own fast-food business in Brodsko-Posavina County, is among a growing number of young Croatians preparing to travel to the United States to support the Vatreni in person.

“The prices are the highest in history, however, as a big and passionate fan of Croatia, a patriot, I love everything Croatian, so I will organise myself and come to the United States,” Šunić tells us.

Along with two friends, one from Slavonski Brod and another from Vrpolje, Šunić plans to arrive in the United States ahead of Croatia’s last group match against Ghana in Philadelphia.

“We would like to return from Philadelphia to New York in case we advance to the next phase of the competition and stay a few more days in New York as Croatia’s match in the last 32 would be played on August 1 (Atlanta), August 2 (Toronto) or 3 August 3 (Kansas).”

Hotel costs in major US cities during the tournament period are expected to be sky high, making traditional options inaccessible for many travelling supporters.

Šunić says they are looking for affordable, safe accommodation and want to reach out to the Croatian community in the US for any help.

“Whether its staying with families, their friends, or private rentals offered by members of the Croatian diaspora we would be interested in any leads. I want to be clear, we are not looking for anything for free but a safe place where we can sleep and maybe hang out with Croatians. I would be very grateful,” he concludes.

If anyone in the Croatian community can help the Croatian fans they can contact him via email at: [email protected]

Mihael Šunić