“We are the best of friends.” He spent all his money to accompany his grandfather to the World Cup, and it was returned to him in full sports

The journey of an English young man with his grandfather turned into one of the most influential human stories in the 2026 World Cup, after he recovered the money he had spent in full following an unexpected initiative, after his story spread widely.

Jacob Olmendinger (21 years old) had decided to spend 10,000 pounds sterling (about 12,700 dollars), savings he had accumulated over five years as a down payment for buying a house, in order to accompany his grandfather, Jeff Guliker (80 years old), on the trip of a lifetime to follow the England team in the World Cup held in the United States and Mexico.

In his interview with the British newspaper Mirror, Jacob explained that his grandfather had been accompanying him since his childhood to Hull City matches, so he wanted to return the favor to him before it was too late, stressing that the opportunity to watch the World Cup with him would not happen again.

The duo watched England’s matches against Panama and the Democratic Republic of Congo in New York and Atlanta, before attending the historic victory over Mexico 3-2 at Azteca Stadium, a match that Jacob described as “once in a lifetime.”

During the trip, their story spread widely on social media, until they were stopped in the streets by fans who recognized them and wanted to take pictures with them.

The surprises did not stop there, as the American company MetaWin, which works in the field of casino games and digital currencies, contacted Jacob and offered to return the amount of 10,000 pounds sterling (about 12,700 dollars) if England beat Panama by more than two goals.

Although the English team was content with winning 2-0, the company later announced that it would fulfill its promise if England defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo by any result, which was actually achieved with the “Three Lions” winning 2-1.

“I couldn’t believe it at first,” Jacob said. “I thought it was just propaganda, but when I opened my bank account, the money had already arrived. I was in shock.”

He added that he intends to keep the amount in a savings account until he returns to England, before deciding whether to use it to buy a house or to finance new football trips, adding: “Now I have options, which is great.”

The young Englishman also revealed that their story received great interaction, and he received letters from people who lost their grandfathers and expressed their wish that they had had the opportunity to do a similar experience, which made him appreciate the time he spent with his grandfather more.

As for Grandpa Jeff, he said that they had become well-known among the fans, and one of the fans even recognized them in the streets of New York and asked them if they were “the duo that roams the World Cup,” praising at the same time the atmosphere created by the Mexican fans during the tournament.

Jacob concluded his speech by saying: “I can always make up the money. I am still at the beginning of my life, but I will never get another opportunity to watch the World Cup with my grandfather. Our relationship goes beyond being grandfather and grandson. We are closer to being two best friends.”