With 100 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, ticket demand has exceeded supply more than 30 times, leading to nearly 2 million sales. However, surprise sales windows reveal availability for some matches, while prices continue to rise on secondary markets. Fans express concerns over costs and geopolitical tensions affecting travel.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11 and runs through July 19. FIFA reported that tickets were oversubscribed more than 30 times during initial sales phases, with almost 2 million sold. Despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino's claim that every match is sold out, a surprise sales window last week offered tickets to at least 64 of the 104 games, primarily high-category seats for less prominent matchups.
Experts attribute the availability to pricing that has priced out many fans. Category 1 tickets for the U.S. men's national team's opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles are priced at $2,735, with Category 2 at $1,940—among the tournament's highest. Fans have prioritized cheaper U.S. group games in Seattle and Los Angeles, which cost less than a third as much. Jim McCarthy, a ticketing veteran, noted, “When they say there’s incredibly high demand for this [World Cup], of course that’s true,” but added that some games are overpriced and need marketing support.
Prices start at nearly $900 for the opening match and exceed $8,000 for the final, with resale sites listing seats up to $143,750—over 41 times face value. A package for all seven Miami games at Hard Rock Stadium costs $11,750 per person. Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the FIFA World Cup Host Committee, explained, “Well, you know, it’s supply and demand; we have no control over ticket prices.” High-demand games like Scotland versus Brazil see secondary prices around $1,500, with 50 million global requests surpassing even the final.
Geopolitical issues add uncertainty. Iran's group stage games in the U.S. coincide with recent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, while immigration policies and violence near Guadalajara raise travel concerns. German fan Tom Roeder said, “I’m afraid I might not be allowed into the country. I’ve decided to fly to Canada at most but not to the USA.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured, “no risk” for fans. FIFA defends its model as not-for-profit, reinvesting over 90 percent into football development. Mehdi Salem of the French fans association Les Baroudeurs du Sport called it “an elitist World Cup,” with only 100 of 400 members planning to attend due to costs and U.S. politics.
Preparations continue, including fan fests in Miami's Bayfront Park for 23 days and enhanced transportation in Seattle. A halftime show is planned for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.
