Tickets for the six FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto next summer have sold out rapidly, forcing most fans to the resale market where prices soar due to the province's 2019 decision to eliminate price caps. Resale tickets on platforms like StubHub now start above $2,000 and reach as high as $80,000. Experts and politicians criticize the policy for making the event inaccessible to average fans.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature six matches at Toronto's BMO Field, one of 16 host cities across North America. When tickets went on sale, including a draw starting November 30, 2024, they vanished almost immediately. Fans like Aidan D’Souza, who secured three hospitality tickets, described the process as frantic: “We had 15 minutes once we secured the tickets in our cart. So it was a really intense moment entering all the details in, but I'm just so happy we've secured those three tickets.” He paid $2,500 each, noting prices rose during purchase.
Ontario's government, under Premier Doug Ford, removed a resale cap in 2019 that limited markups to 50% above face value. This allows platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and SeatGeek to charge market rates, exacerbating costs seen at events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and the Blue Jays' World Series run. Vass Bednar, managing director of the Canadian SHIELD Institute, argues this turns major sporting events into “a luxury good that is only available to the highest bidder,” creating an “inaccessible experience for fans” and altering societal access to cultural milestones.
Ford expressed regret in October 2024 after similar issues with World Series tickets, calling resellers' practices “gouging the people” and pledging a review. Ontario's NDP and Liberals have pushed for action, while the Ministry of Public and Business Services is examining ticket sales issues and invites complaints under the Consumer Protection Act.
Other regions offer contrasts: Quebec proposes capping resales at original prices unless authorized, and the UK eyes banning sales above face value. For Toronto fans, options remain limited—FIFA's hospitality packages, a random draw open until January 13, 2025 (with notifications in February), first-come-first-served remnants, or a FIFA resale platform with a 15% fee. Recently, FIFA reduced some ticket prices amid backlash, distributing them via national federations.
