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Retired teacher sells house to finance World Cup adventure

Mar 27, 2026, 2:13 PM30
(Update: Mar 31, 2026, 2:00 AM)
country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom

Retired teacher sells house to finance World Cup adventure

  • Andy Milne, a retired teacher, intends to sell his northern England home for $465,000.
  • He is a longtime England fan, preparing for his 10th World Cup this summer.
  • The sale of the house represents both a financial strategy and a personal commitment to attend the tournament.
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In March 2026, Andy Milne, a 62-year-old retired teacher, announced his plan to sell a house in northern England to fund his trip to the FIFA World Cup. Milne, who has lived in Thailand for some time, has been renting out the property and is looking to sell it for 350,000 pounds, which is approximately $465,000. The soccer tournament will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and this year marks Milne's 10th World Cup. He is particularly excited about the event as he has a deep passion for England’s national teams, having supported them for both the men's and women’s tournaments. Milne plans to travel to the U.S. on June 3, staying for seven weeks to ensure he can attend all matches. He has a specific schedule in mind, with England's first match occurring on June 17 in Dallas against Croatia, followed by games in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The sale of his house is part of a long-standing decision to monetize his second residence after 27 years, indicating a profound commitment to supporting his team during this significant sporting event. In recent years, FIFA's ticket pricing has faced scrutiny, and fans have expressed frustration over the costs associated with attending the World Cup. While tickets for some group games start at $140, prices can skyrocket to nearly $8,700 for the finals. This pricing strategy has been termed a "monumental betrayal" by fan organizations, sparking considerable debate among soccer enthusiasts regarding affordability and access. Despite these challenges, Milne remains undeterred. His enthusiasm for the event shines through his plans, showing the lengths to which fans will go to support their teams. His journey underscores the intersection of personal sacrifice and dedication to sports, particularly in light of escalating travel and ticket costs associated with major tournaments like the World Cup.

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