Crypto company repays $13,000 to England fan who took grandad to World Cup

A 21-year-old England supporter who spent his house deposit to take his 80-year-old grandfather to the World Cup has had the entire $13,000 returned to him by a US crypto firm.

Jacob Allmendinger from Hull and his grandfather Geoff Golliker have been traveling across the USA and Mexico to follow England. They attended matches in New York, Atlanta, and Mexico City, where England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca.

Their story gained traction online. Metawin, a US-based crypto casino, reached out and pledged to repay Jacob’s costs if England won big. After England beat DR Congo, the money appeared in Jacob’s account.“I didn’t quite believe it… until I looked at my bank and it was there. I was just in shock,” Jacob said.

He said he will put the money back into savings. “I could buy a house, anything is possible,” he added.

Jacob said messages have poured in from people moved by the trip. “We’re more best mates than grandad and grandson,” he said.

England now head to Miami for a quarter final against Norway, with Jacob hoping for a repeat of 1966.