England Fan Uses $13,000 That He Saved for His First Home to Take His Grandad to the World Cup Instead

July 3, 2026

For most people, saving for a house is one of life's biggest financial goals.

But 21 year old Jacob Allmendinger decided there was something even more valuable than a down payment: the chance to experience the FIFA World Cup with his grandfather.

Jacob and Geoff / SWNS

Jacob spent the money he had been saving for a house deposit to take his grandad, Geoff Golliker, on what they both know will be a once in a lifetime adventure.

"You can make the money back, but memories are forever," Jacob said. "The choice was between this or a house deposit and I don't regret choosing it at all."

The pair, from East Yorkshire, are traveling to New York to watch England take on Panama, with hopes of following the team across the United States if England makes a deep run in the tournament.

Their love of football has always brought them together. They regularly travel to watch Hull City play and were at Wembley when the club earned promotion to the Premier League. But after Jacob's grandmother passed away, those matchdays became even more meaningful.

"Ever since grandma died, football's been a massive part of our lives really," Jacob said.

Geoff agreed, saying the game helped him through one of the hardest periods of his life.

"Certainly, it really has been my saviour," he said. "She'd have absolutely loved this trip."

Jacob and Geoff  / SWNS

For Jacob, the decision was never really about choosing football over a house. It was about choosing time with someone he loves while he still can.

"I can always make money back," he said. "I'm at the age where I can afford to miss out on a house for two or three years. But I won't ever get to go to the World Cup with my grandad again."

Some investments appreciate in value.

Others become the stories your family tells forever.