72-year-old French farmer: His incredible World Cup final streak is in jeopardy
72-year-old Filip Galzin holds the record for having been to every World Cup final since 1974. But his traditional adherence to the 2026 final at the MetLife Stadium is threatened—his place is guaranteed only if France reach the final; He has already booked tickets for the semifinals.
France fan Philippe Galzin, 72, has turned his life's attention to the World Cup finals. Despite his lack of royal heritage, Galzin announced to local media that he had attended every World Cup final since 1974 — thirteen finals so far instead of ten in total.
As Galzin revealed, the visit to the 1974 Munich final was easy: "I arrived at the stadium that morning and bought a ticket, which sometimes cost only about 50 French francs," he told RMC Sport. That small ticket purchase was the first inspiration for his streak of victories.
Galzin credits his family, especially his wife, for persuading him to compromise their vacation budget at times — all of whom he says have been very supportive of his hobby. But his place in the 2026 World Cup final is currently uncertain.
Tickets for the final at the MetLife Stadium on July 19 have sold out in the general public sections as of our time. But there are still seats available in the VIP section, which are said to be on sale for around 30,000 euros. That was instructive for Galzin: as he revealed in a recent conversation with TV channel France 3, he turned down an offer for 8,000 euros.
He added that it was crucial that Galzin could confirm his place only if the France team reached the final again, with the French Football Association promising him a reinstatement. However, Galzin made sure: "I've been planning to go to America for years — I have tickets to the semifinals," the seasoned traveler said.
For him it's not just pedigree — a habit of mind at World Cup finals, a personal virtue. How his legacy, which has been innovative since 1974, continues now depends on the success of France's animals. Galjin expresses his hope to try and save his temple and lineage.