England fan who used life savings to take grandad to World Cup gets refunded

An England supporter who gave up his house deposit to take his grandfather to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received an unexpected financial boost after a company reimbursed the entire £10,000 he spent on the once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Twenty-one-year-old Jacob Allmendinger used the savings he had been putting aside for a home deposit to treat his 80-year-old grandfather, Geoff Golliker, to a World Cup adventure across the United States and Mexico. Geoff had taken Jacob to watch Hull City throughout his childhood, and the young fan decided to return the favour by making his grandfather’s World Cup dream come true.

The pair travelled to New York, Atlanta and Mexico City, where they watched England’s group-stage victories over Panama and DR Congo before witnessing the dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 triumph against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Their story quickly went viral, with football fans recognising them in several cities during the tournament.

Inspired by their journey, US-based crypto casino company Metawin contacted Jacob through social media, promising to refund his £10,000 if England beat Panama by more than two goals. Although England’s 2-0 win fell short of the target, the company later extended the offer, saying it would honour the pledge if England defeated DR Congo by any score.

After England’s 2-1 victory, the company fulfilled its promise.

“I was amazed, it was an incredible gesture really.

“They had contacted me on social media about the story and tweeted about paying the money back if we beat Panama by more than two goals. When we only won 2-0 they said they would still pay £10,000 if we won against DR Congo by any score. I didn’t quite believe it, to be honest, until I looked at my bank and it was there.

“I was just in shock. I think I’ll save the money until I get back home. I’ll put it in a savings account for now and see what happens after the next couple of months.

“We could go to the European Championships, I could buy a house, anything is possible. It’s just great to have options. We’ve had an amazing trip so far. We’re still in Mexico at the minute and fly tomorrow to Miami for the quarter final. The Mexico game was a once-in-a-generation game to watch.”

Jacob said the team’s victory over Mexico had further fuelled his excitement.

“The parallels to now and 1966 when we last beat Mexico in the World Cup and then went on to win the whole thing, it kind of gets you giddy for the rest of the trip.”

The heartwarming story has also attracted widespread public attention, with Jacob saying many people have reached out to share similar experiences.

“I think it just resonates with people. I’ve had people reach out who have lost their grandparents and how they wish they’d done something similar. It just makes us cherish this time more, really.”

Geoff said the pair had become familiar faces during their travels.

“We’re getting recognised quite a bit.

“When we were in New York, a guy came up to us and said, ‘are you the guys travelling round?’ It was brilliant.

“The Mexican fans were absolutely fantastic. Very happy, very boisterous. The atmosphere that’s built up is fantastic.”

Before leaving for the tournament, Jacob had explained why he was willing to delay buying his first home.

“I can always make money back, 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. We get on like a house on fire. We’re more best mates than grandad and grandson.”