FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[Dump3er]

-

The picture was before FIFA added a low tier ticket. Even after they added a low tier ticket, it changes nothing. a ticket for a non hyped game can still cost like 200 bucks ++ for the lowest cat. For me, it's still very expensive.
Yet some game like US vs Paraguy costed at 1k bucks for the cheapest set. The gap is so crazy. it grows up like 3 times ++ than Qatar WC.

This is also the reason there have been many unsold tickets. Spending like more than 200 bucks for the non hyped game at lowest cat is absolutely non sense in this economy.

There is no doubt this is way too expensive, but I figure that ticket prices are not the biggest problem the USA will have at that World Cup.

The prices are a joke because they are not inclusive, but exclusive. But regardless of that, there isn't one thing going on in the USA that is really inclusive these days and it may not have been the end yet. Who knows how many visa he will cancel, how much chaos will break out for reasons that only Trump can invent. What if relations to Mexico escalate and Trump wants to cancel games or as he already announced, he wants to check whether it is possible to take away games from stadiums in democratic states.

There is so much uncertainty that I think the number of international visitors will be pretty small because when you book a flight and a hotel today, you don't know what idea Trump comes up with tomorrow. 

[8rch7]

https://x.com/touchlinex/status/2023321456671850963?s=46

I already knew something like this will happen. How can FIFA be complaining that there’s still many seats remaining unsold, they forgot that by increasing the amount for tickets many people won’t be able to go to the world. When there’s another option to watch the World Cup people will not bother to stress themselves in buying the ticket with that high amount, and the option is sitting at the comfort of your home and watching the World Cup matches on TV.
If FIFA wants the World Cup to be more hyped and for them to sell out all the tickets, they should reduce the price of the ticket and immediately they do that  they will sell them all, and people will start talking about the World Cup.
When you make the World Cup look like something for the rich the hype we surely reduce.

Seems have many seats remaining unsold regarding the several matches not really interested yet to watch or that national teams has smaller favorite fans want to watch directly at stadium. Regarding new format has 48 teams participants I believe has several matches in World Cup 2026 not really interested to watch maybe new teams for the first time playing at World Cup.
Difference competitive when the old format of World Cup playing by 32 teams and most of the qualify as the top teams, however if many seat remaining unsold maybe FIFA giving much discount later but sadly the most highest competition not really interested how last edition in Qatar all match since group stage fully attention by fans.

[Ale88]

Seems have many seats remaining unsold regarding the several matches not really interested yet to watch or that national teams has smaller favorite fans want to watch directly at stadium. Regarding new format has 48 teams participants I believe has several matches in World Cup 2026 not really interested to watch maybe new teams for the first time playing at World Cup.
Difference competitive when the old format of World Cup playing by 32 teams and most of the qualify as the top teams, however if many seat remaining unsold maybe FIFA giving much discount later but sadly the most highest competition not really interested how last edition in Qatar all match since group stage fully attention by fans.

In Qatar the prices were way cheaper and, as you said, almost every match was supposed to be entertaining because all the teams (or almost all) were at least good. Now we have a bunch of national teams with virtually unknown players. If a ticket was, let's say, $40, a person may also decide to go to one of these matches just for the experience. But spending $200 to get the worst seat is ridiculous.

[Sithara007]

In Qatar the prices were way cheaper and, as you said, almost every match was supposed to be entertaining because all the teams (or almost all) were at least good. Now we have a bunch of national teams with virtually unknown players. If a ticket was, let's say, $40, a person may also decide to go to one of these matches just for the experience. But spending $200 to get the worst seat is ridiculous.

I still believe that there will be fewer one-sided matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when compared to the 2022 edition. On the other hand, I think it is exciting to have new teams such as Uzbekistan and Curaçao participating for the first time in this tournament. And regarding ticket prices, most of the American fans would not mind spending $200 to attend a match. Ticket fee for NBA and NFL matches are also similar, and FIFA World Cup is a low-frequency event. I am more worried about the Visa issues, which may prevent a lot of fans from traveling to the US to attend these matches.

[dollyamo]

In Qatar the prices were way cheaper and, as you said, almost every match was supposed to be entertaining because all the teams (or almost all) were at least good. Now we have a bunch of national teams with virtually unknown players. If a ticket was, let's say, $40, a person may also decide to go to one of these matches just for the experience. But spending $200 to get the worst seat is ridiculous.

In some cases, especially just before the start of an event, $200 isn't even enough; a friend of mine paid over ?340 for a ticket and wasn't even in the stands.
Unfortunately, that's a market too, and there are crazy people who spend that money just for the pleasure of living in the camp. i know, it's a slap in the face for those who just manage to live a month, but that's a different story.
Going to the stadium is stuff for a few.

[pewboy]

I still believe that there will be fewer one-sided matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when compared to the 2022 edition. On the other hand, I think it is exciting to have new teams such as Uzbekistan and Curaçao participating for the first time in this tournament. And regarding ticket prices, most of the American fans would not mind spending $200 to attend a match. Ticket fee for NBA and NFL matches are also similar, and FIFA World Cup is a low-frequency event. I am more worried about the Visa issues, which may prevent a lot of fans from traveling to the US to attend these matches.

It's true that you don't often see a World Cup match for your country, a rare or unusual event for the average citizen. I'm still of the opinion that $200 is excessive. Anyone who wants to enjoy a match for their national team even for just one time in their life almost has to take out a loan for the cost of everything. It's business, but taking advantage is not something i like so much.

[Sithara007]

It's true that you don't often see a World Cup match for your country, a rare or unusual event for the average citizen. I'm still of the opinion that $200 is excessive. Anyone who wants to enjoy a match for their national team even for just one time in their life almost has to take out a loan for the cost of everything. It's business, but taking advantage is not something i like so much.

Return tickets from India to the US cost at least $1,500 per head (that too if booked at least 2 months before travel date). If you can spend $1,500 on just traveling to the event, it is not unfair to pay $200 for a ticket to the event itself. FIFA is essentially pointing out to this disparity. Let's assume that those who travel would like to attend all of the group matches of their country. Even then it gets to just $600. That is also a small fraction of the overall expenses. I am with FIFA on this. The tickets need to be priced fairly and they are doing exactly that for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

[Die_empty]

It's true that you don't often see a World Cup match for your country, a rare or unusual event for the average citizen. I'm still of the opinion that $200 is excessive. Anyone who wants to enjoy a match for their national team even for just one time in their life almost has to take out a loan for the cost of everything. It's business, but taking advantage is not something i like so much.

FIFA has just introduced a £45 ticket for loyal fans of all the nations that qualified for the World Cup. This ticket will remain the cheapest in the World Cup. I wouldn't be able to afford as much as $200 to watch a football game. You also have to pay for other things like hotel reservations and other expenses. It will be better to just follow the World Cup through Live transmission. People who live in high-income countries wouldn't find it expensive.

[bitgolden]

Ticket prices are definitely one of the biggest reasons why tickets are not getting sold as much.
But, I doubt FIFA really cares because in Qatar we watched a whole world cup with nearly half empty seats in all of the games.

Not only the locals did not want to go, which Americans will want to, but also the world didn't want to go to Qatar neither, because of cultural differences. USA will be different, if the prices were the same, I guarantee you that it would be all sold out already, so it's mostly about the prices.

[retreat]

I already knew something like this will happen. How can FIFA be complaining that there’s still many seats remaining unsold, they forgot that by increasing the amount for tickets many people won’t be able to go to the world. When there’s another option to watch the World Cup people will not bother to stress themselves in buying the ticket with that high amount, and the option is sitting at the comfort of your home and watching the World Cup matches on TV.
If FIFA wants the World Cup to be more hyped and for them to sell out all the tickets, they should reduce the price of the ticket and immediately they do that  they will sell them all, and people will start talking about the World Cup.
When you make the World Cup look like something for the rich the hype we surely reduce.

They understand why it didn't sell as well as it could have, but they act as if they don't know this. They have people who can calculate potential profits and analyze market risks in detail before the World Cup takes place, so it's funny that they act as if they don't know the cause. I think they are playing dumb, when in fact the cause is obvious smh.

[Sithara007]

Ticket prices are definitely one of the biggest reasons why tickets are not getting sold as much.
But, I doubt FIFA really cares because in Qatar we watched a whole world cup with nearly half empty seats in all of the games.

Not only the locals did not want to go, which Americans will want to, but also the world didn't want to go to Qatar neither, because of cultural differences. USA will be different, if the prices were the same, I guarantee you that it would be all sold out already, so it's mostly about the prices.

Rather than ticket prices, I would say that the main reasons are restrictive visa regimen in the United States and the low popularity of soccer in that region. Out of the three co-hosts, only Mexico has a proper football culture. In both USA and Canada "football" means some weird sport similar to rugby, where men wear tight gayish costumes and fondle each other. Given this, local fans maybe indifferent towards attending these matches, especially if they don't involve the home team. And they have hosted around 80% of the matches in the United States. Only 13 matches are scheduled to be played in Mexico (and that too spread across various cities: Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara). 

[LUCKMCFLY]

Ticket prices are definitely one of the biggest reasons why tickets are not getting sold as much.
But, I doubt FIFA really cares because in Qatar we watched a whole world cup with nearly half empty seats in all of the games.

Not only the locals did not want to go, which Americans will want to, but also the world didn't want to go to Qatar neither, because of cultural differences. USA will be different, if the prices were the same, I guarantee you that it would be all sold out already, so it's mostly about the prices.

That's something that's difficult to say. On the one hand, we have a whole world that wants to go, so there should be a good filter somehow I think everything requires a great effort. I would say that things with a World Cup are on another level For me, the tickets should be expensive, but not that expensive Ultimately, if they see that they can't sell many, they'll lower the price; that's something that can't be doubted.

[banana33]

Rather than ticket prices, I would say that the main reasons are restrictive visa regimen in the United States and the low popularity of soccer in that region. Out of the three co-hosts, only Mexico has a proper football culture. In both USA and Canada "football" means some weird sport similar to rugby, where men wear tight gayish costumes and fondle each other. Given this, local fans maybe indifferent towards attending these matches, especially if they don't involve the home team. And they have hosted around 80% of the matches in the United States. Only 13 matches are scheduled to be played in Mexico (and that too spread across various cities: Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara). 

It's true, what you say is correct, although i have to say that football culture, if we want to describe it like this, is something very different that has expanded over the years in the US and has grown in popularity and now i think the times are ready and no longer immature as they once were, now there is really a lot of football culture and the people in the US are much more passionate than before.

[cande86]

Return tickets from India to the US cost at least $1,500 per head (that too if booked at least 2 months before travel date). If you can spend $1,500 on just traveling to the event, it is not unfair to pay $200 for a ticket to the event itself. FIFA is essentially pointing out to this disparity. Let's assume that those who travel would like to attend all of the group matches of their country. Even then it gets to just $600. That is also a small fraction of the overall expenses. I am with FIFA on this. The tickets need to be priced fairly and they are doing exactly that for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

$1,500 per person is a crazy amount of money. i don't know what they're expecting to see, and then they're surprised that people don't go to the games. Of course, they won't go. i understand that it's a game of extreme importance, but i don't think it will be within everyone's reach. It seems so difficult to me to be able to participate at that price.

[changaa]

Ticket prices are definitely one of the biggest reasons why tickets are not getting sold as much.
But, I doubt FIFA really cares because in Qatar we watched a whole world cup with nearly half empty seats in all of the games.

Not only the locals did not want to go, which Americans will want to, but also the world didn't want to go to Qatar neither, because of cultural differences. USA will be different, if the prices were the same, I guarantee you that it would be all sold out already, so it's mostly about the prices.

Prices have risen significantly but i understand that it is a very distant competition for many European countries and most of the participating nations are very far away so i understand that the price is also justified by that and the difficulty is high, very high, this makes everything perfect for raising prices.

[ndutndut]

Ticket prices are definitely one of the biggest reasons why tickets are not getting sold as much.
But, I doubt FIFA really cares because in Qatar we watched a whole world cup with nearly half empty seats in all of the games.

Not only the locals did not want to go, which Americans will want to, but also the world didn't want to go to Qatar neither, because of cultural differences. USA will be different, if the prices were the same, I guarantee you that it would be all sold out already, so it's mostly about the prices.

If we compare ticket prices for the Qatar World Cup and the World Cup in the US, the difference is significant. Perhaps the reason you mentioned is also true as Qatar deliberately subsidizes the tournament to attract people to Qatar and gain international recognition. Even though the Qatar World Cup is the most expensive in history it still manages to offer cheaper tickets than the 2026 World Cup.

Yes, in the Americas it's different because even though tickets are expensive there will be a huge crowd and the culture is also different from Qatar. But with such high ticket prices, I think it's quite expensive. As an Asian, wanting to watch the World Cup live requires careful consideration as it will cost a lot of money. On the other hand it's perfectly understandable that tickets are expensive in the Americas as they are already well known and capitalist. Furthermore, FIFA goal in every competition is to generate profits so it's no surprise that tickets are expensive. FIFA even replaced UCL format with a standings system not a group format which automatically added to the match schedule. This was clearly due to a focus on profit.

[Mr Reporter]

In Qatar the prices were way cheaper and, as you said, almost every match was supposed to be entertaining because all the teams (or almost all) were at least good. Now we have a bunch of national teams with virtually unknown players. If a ticket was, let's say, $40, a person may also decide to go to one of these matches just for the experience. But spending $200 to get the worst seat is ridiculous.

In some cases, especially just before the start of an event, $200 isn't even enough; a friend of mine paid over ?340 for a ticket and wasn't even in the stands.
Unfortunately, that's a market too, and there are crazy people who spend that money just for the pleasure of living in the camp. i know, it's a slap in the face for those who just manage to live a month, but that's a different story.
Going to the stadium is stuff for a few.

For me it very not even fair at all why should they even collect such higher prices for just to sat and watch a game to me that very not okay well just as you have people living with such type of amount but I feel it should even be that costly when going to the stadium to watch a match…

Well on a second through does it even worth the spend of having to come around to sit down for just pleasure, and I have watched people paying such big amount of money with even having a sit at the stadium only cause they where happy to withness the game live..,

[katanic97]

Ticket prices are definitely one of the biggest reasons why tickets are not getting sold as much.
But, I doubt FIFA really cares because in Qatar we watched a whole world cup with nearly half empty seats in all of the games.

Not only the locals did not want to go, which Americans will want to, but also the world didn't want to go to Qatar neither, because of cultural differences. USA will be different, if the prices were the same, I guarantee you that it would be all sold out already, so it's mostly about the prices.

Prices have risen significantly but i understand that it is a very distant competition for many European countries and most of the participating nations are very far away so i understand that the price is also justified by that and the difficulty is high, very high, this makes everything perfect for raising prices.

I agree with you, but ticket prices don’t necessarily have to be that high. The main issue is simply the distance, especially for people from europe who want to travel and support their national teams.I honestly hope we won’t see half empty stadiums like we did in qatar, but somehow i’m not fully convinced there will be a huge improvement. Ticket prices will obviously vary depending on the match, and they’ll naturally go up as the tournament gets closer to the final stages.I think the ticket prices themselves will be reasonable , the real challenge will just be getting to the usa

[YUriy1991]

Seems have many seats remaining unsold regarding the several matches not really interested yet to watch or that national teams has smaller favorite fans want to watch directly at stadium. Regarding new format has 48 teams participants I believe has several matches in World Cup 2026 not really interested to watch maybe new teams for the first time playing at World Cup.
Difference competitive when the old format of World Cup playing by 32 teams and most of the qualify as the top teams, however if many seat remaining unsold maybe FIFA giving much discount later but sadly the most highest competition not really interested how last edition in Qatar all match since group stage fully attention by fans.

I think the issue of empty seats due to unsold tickets is understandable, considering the competition is still months away. The 2026 World Cup will still be exciting, and it will be the first to feature 48 teams. I don't think fans will take time off work to watch the World Cup, and the distances between host countries are also very large, so supporters will have to spend a lot of money on transportation to get to the stadiums. However, I suspect the stadiums will still be full of local fans with the discount ticket options you mentioned. This World Cup is different. The geographical distances of Mexico, Canada, and the Americas are what set it apart from previous World Cups, while Qatar central location easily accessible to fans from various continents, especially Asia and Europe has made it a successful World Cup host.

[Jaycoinz]

Ticket prices are definitely one of the biggest reasons why tickets are not getting sold as much.
But, I doubt FIFA really cares because in Qatar we watched a whole world cup with nearly half empty seats in all of the games.

Not only the locals did not want to go, which Americans will want to, but also the world didn't want to go to Qatar neither, because of cultural differences. USA will be different, if the prices were the same, I guarantee you that it would be all sold out already, so it's mostly about the prices.

That's the biggest barrier now holding the sales of tickets because the prices that those tickets are being sold for is simply just too outrageous and this is simply making the sports look bad because everyone would rather prefer sitting on home and enjoy the game with probably some nice food and drinks with family than pay that huge amount of cash and still have to sort other things especially for the visitors going there.