With just 100 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off across the US, Mexico and Canada, unprecedented ticket demand clashes with steep prices and global unrest. Fans are concerned about cost and geopolitical tensions, including US actions against Iran—a nation set to play group matches on American soil.
Anxieties also stem from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns and recent violence near Guadalajara, Mexico. German fan Tom Roeder told Reuters: '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.'
FIFA has not commented, but previously reported nearly two million tickets sold in initial phases, with applications oversubscribed 30 times. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured fans there is 'no risk' travelling to Mexico. Adrian Nunez Corte of Spanish fans' association Unipes noted concerns haven't deterred purchases, though 'the price of tickets has been a major drawback.'
Tournament spread across 16 host cities in three countries adds complexity and expense. A booming secondary ticket market in the US and Canada exacerbates costs. FIFA defended pricing, stating revenue is reinvested into football development.
Mehdi Salem of French association Les Baroudeurs du Sport reported ticket prices over 200% higher than 2018, expecting only 100 of 400 members to attend. 'We feel like this World Cup will not really be a people’s World Cup, but rather an elitist World Cup,' he said.
