Scott McTominay has led Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998, but ticket demand for the tournament shows surprising trends. According to TicketData.com, the most expensive resale ticket is for the final at $7,734, but the second priciest is a group game between Colombia and Portugal in Miami on 27 June, with a cheapest asking price of $2,254 as of 17 May.
Why Colombia vs Portugal is so expensive
Demographics, geography, star power, and Miami's reputation combine to make this match highly sought after. Jim McCarthy, a ticketing expert, notes that it's likely the last chance to see Cristiano Ronaldo in a World Cup, and the Colombian population in Miami is significant. The city has become a party central for the event, and the match features two strong teams.
While leading European powers like Spain, Germany, France, and England are not the biggest draws, the expansion to 48 teams has diluted the group stage. Many games require marketing to sell, but Colombia vs Portugal stands out in a touristy city often called the gateway to Latin America.
Other expensive group games
- Scotland vs Brazil ($1,641) - Miami, 24 June. Driven by Brazil's appeal and the Tartan Army's rarity of a World Cup appearance.
- Brazil vs Morocco ($1,383) - New York/New Jersey, 13 June. Metropolitan area with many Brazilians and wealthy fans.
- Argentina vs Austria ($962) - Dallas area, 22 June. Desire to see Lionel Messi's champions fuels demand.
- USA vs Paraguay ($937) - Los Angeles, 12 June. Opening ceremony with Katy Perry adds to excitement.
Least expensive group games
At the other end, Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia ($156) and Austria vs Jordan ($180) are among the cheapest, reflecting smaller fan bases and less star power.
Resale prices are falling as the tournament approaches, down 23% on average in the past 30 days. McCarthy notes that unless there's true scarcity, prices tend to tail downward, offering a fascinating look at market dynamics.
