At the most expensive sporting event ever in world history, it is painful to even hear the one-upmanship conversations about the eye-watering costs.

England fans arriving in Boston for their next World Cup match can only grin and bear it as they compare astronomical prices of tickets, hotels and food and how much their bank balances are hurting.

And yet the demand has been insatiable – for $4,500 (£3,400) VIP seats complete with champagne and canapes are completely sold out for England's clash with Ghana at the Boston Stadium on Tuesday night.

The 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico is the 'largest hospitality programme ever executed', according to organisers, with clients requesting helicopter transfers, five-star hotels and chances to rub shoulders with star players.

I have met fans with well-paid jobs in the City of London who are here for the atmosphere but cannot afford actual match tickets.

In Qatar in 2022, entry-level tickets were fixed at £68.50, and the most expensive ticket of the tournament, for the final, cost just over £1,200. England supporters have been shelling out about the same amount for two tickets to group-stage games, and last-minute resale tickets are starting at around $1,000.

Dominic Reynolds, 46, from north London, who arrived in Boston from Dallas where England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening match, said: 'It was well worth it to be there, but the costs are out of this world. I spent $150 on a round of beers and it seems every time you move, someone wants a 20 per cent tip. I've been terrified to look at my bank balance.'

Paul Scott, 48, who is spending £10,000 to watch England's three group matches, said it was a Christmas present from his wife, Claire.

'It would be too expensive for her to come too, and she knows just how much I've wanted to come here, he said.

'So we had a six-day holiday in Costa Rica, and then she's flown off and I've come here with her blessings.'

The couple run The Wall Panel Centre, a builders' merchant in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and Mr Scott said: 'I love America, and the welcome here has been phenomenal. I would love to think we'll get to the final. I think England are knocking on that door.'

One fan faced a £300 school fine for bringing his 10-year-old daughter, on top of the thousands it has already cost. Leicestershire electrician Russ White posted a photo of her holding a placard reading: 'I'm supposed to be at school but my dad brought me to the World Cup!'

He said: 'I'll be getting a £300 fine from the school, but it's money well spent. Come on England!'

The tournament's official VIP provider, On Location, says it has sold more than half a million packages, more than doubling its record for hospitality revenue, while Stuart McNeill, of the London-based concierge service Knightsbridge Circle, was quoted in The Times as saying six tickets for the final costing $4million, which sold to a client in the Middle East, was 'insane, let's be honest'. He added: 'It's definitely a World Cup about money. Fifa are cashing in big time.'

England fans arriving in Boston have a tough act to follow, after Scotland's supporters won hearts and minds during what amounted to a week-long bar crawl, inbetween their two opening games which were both held in Boston.

The 30,000-strong Tartan Army were raucous and can drink like fish, but caused no trouble and were big hits with the local ladies during long nights of carousing.

Now, with an anticipated influx of some 10,000 Three Lions fans, Boston Police have warned both sets of fans to behave. England supporters were caught on social media singing an offensive chant about Scotland star John McGinn in Dallas, while Tartan Army supporters were filmed ripping down an England flag in Boston.

Boston Police said: 'We encourage fans to be conscious of the laws and their behaviour and actions. We have an increased police presence and are working with our law enforcement partners.'

With three days to go before England's next match, scores of fans have been stopping off in Tennessee on their way from Dallas to Boston, to visit Elvis's mansion Graceland in Memphis. Travelling groups have been dressing up as the king of rock and roll and posing with giant St George's flags.