The FIFA World Cup remains the most-watched sporting event in the world. Yet opening matches in the United States and Canada are not sold out.
According to NPR, thousands of tickets are still available on resale platforms. Even FIFA’s own website shows empty seats.
So what’s driving the slowdown? Prices.
The most expensive standard ticket for the U.S. opener is $2,735. That is higher than the top price for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. The cheapest seats start at around $1,120.
For many fans, that is simply too much. The global economic slowdown is making high prices harder to justify.
Even U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue. Speaking to the New York Post, he said:
“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
The slow ticket sales are unexpected.
This is the first World Cup hosted across three countries. It is also the largest edition in tournament history. And it marks the first World Cup on American soil in 32 years.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that all 104 matches were already sold out.
But reality tells a different story.
At least for now, opening matches still have empty seats.
