The World Cup has really taken over the news cycle right now. I’m not into soccer (or football, as non-Americans call it), but the price of World Cup Final tickets definitely piqued my interest. As in, it had me crying, shaking, and throwing up.
The cheapest price of one ticket to the World Cup Final? $8,289. The highest price? $120,969. The average price of one ticket to the World Cup Final is $16,849, or $33,698 for two. Meanwhile, Edmunds noted that the average price of a used vehicle in 2026 is curently $27,046. That’s less than two tickets to a soccer game.
So… Make our pick. One of these cars, or the World Cup Final.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a near-perfect option for commuters. The manual Civic Type R is out of this range, but basically every other used Honda Civic is available, and worth every penny.
It’s pretty nice looking, offers great mileage, and has pretty sweet handling for a daily driver. Sure, you can watch people kick balls around. But you’d be missing out on a very reliable and enjoyable car you’ll drive every single day. Seems like a better use of the money to me.
Toyota GR86
If you thought the Civic was a great find for $30,000, you’re about to lose your mind. The GR86 is just as affordable as a trusty commuter, but it’s a lot more fun. With 228 horsepower from its high-revving engine, a manual transmission, and sporty seats, the GR86 turns every commute into a thrilling adventure.
The GR86 is also at home on the track or in the canyons thanks to its great handling. People who look really fast will get it confused with a Supra. That’s how nice it looks for the price. Would you rather sit in the nosebleeds and watch specks run around a field or have a car that sorta looks like a Supra if you squint? Think about it.
Toyota Prius
People like to poke fun at the Prius, but there’s nothing wrong with it in reality (aside from a fake EPA mileage rating). Still, the base model boasts 57 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway. Wrote Car and Driver: “The fifth-gen Prius proves you don’t have to break the bank, look dorky, or cede your love of driving to maximize fuel efficiency.”
And it seriously does look pretty good, at least compared to where it all began. It’s also surprisingly quick and fun. People will think you’re a dork anyway for buying $30,000 tickets to a soccer game, so you’re better off having a Prius. At least you can have fun even if someone thinks you’re a dork.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
If you’re willing to get an electric vehicle that’s a few years old, you can get a Tesla Model 3 Long Range. That’s the plus side of EVs losing like 70% of their value after a year – you can buy it rather than go to a soccer game.
The Model 3 is considered the most well-rounded EV out there, especially for the price. Just don’t expect autonomous driving, unless you want to potentially kill yourself or others. Still, 363 miles of driving range on a full charge is a huge benefit. If you don’t want to wait for the Rivian R2’s base model, you can always settle for a Tesla before Elon Musk turns the whole operation into a failed robot company.
Ford Mustang GT
Hmmm… Sit in a seat and risk your team losing after paying $30,000, or 480-plus horsepower… Dude, it’s a no-f***ing-brainer! The Ford Mustang GT is guaranteed fun.
The Ford Mustang GT is a beast. It has a lot of power packed into a pretty approachable sports car, and it sounds amazing even in stock form. You probably assume that it’s a straight-line warrior, but you can also take it to the track, especially if you are willing to upgrade its suspension and cooling system. A beast that can make your commute fun, hang out at a car meet with no issue, or take on a track day?
I can’t believe you were even considering those tickets instead.
