‘It sucks’ – FIFA in shock struggle over USA’s opening World Cup match
FIFA are encountering plenty of difficulties surrounding the USA’s opening game at next summer’s 2026 World Cup.
There is still a chance that all five home nations could be set to jet off to North America for the tournament, with the trio of Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland all facing play-off campaigns in March.
England and Scotland are already safely through to the group stage, with Scotland qualifying with a dramatic late victory over Denmark earlier in November.
Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions blitzed through their qualifying group without even conceding a goal to ensure their safe passage through to the tournament.
They will be joined by the trio of host nations in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but the former are already experiencing a rockier ride than anticipated in their preparation.
FIFA struggling to sell tickets for USA’s opening game
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca sparked concern for FIFA ahead of the World Cup by outlining the issue with the summer climate in certain areas of the USA during last summer’s Club World Cup.
The world football governing body have faced plenty of backlash surrounding the tournament in recent months, with it set to expand to include 48 teams for the first time.
There will be plenty of eyes on how the USA performs on the pitch, plus how their supporters take to hosting such a major tournament.
However, the early indications are not good, with FIFA struggling to sell tickets for the USA’s opening game of the group stage, according to Landon Donovan.
“Right now, FIFA are floating a little trial ballot to see how many people will pay big money for these tickets,” the former striker said, when quizzed about the lofty ticket prices on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast.
“Interestingly, the first USA game is not selling well. The second game in Seattle and the third game in LA have sold really well.” “So what’s going to happen over time is that the market will dictate (ticket prices).
“It sucks. None of us like it. FIFA have plenty of money, they don’t need to do it, but they’re a business. They’re a for-profit business; they’re not a charity. They’re not here to give away tickets. I don’t like it as a fan, but it’s just reality.”
How much do World Cup tickets cost at the moment?
Last summer’s Club World Cup effectively acted as a trial event for this summer’s main event, but there is still plenty of discontent just months out from the tournament.
Fans have been quick to criticise the excessive ticket prices that have been set by FIFA, with many feeling that they are trying to exploit the unprecedented demand.
Tickets for the opening game of the tournament are priced between £417 and £1662, which is itself is a staggering increase from the £41-£460 range that was available during the 2022 edition in Qatar, according to BBC Sport.
Nevertheless, FIFA are still suggesting that over two million tickets have already been sold for the tournament, with the next phase of sales due to go live on 11 December, just days after the draw is made for the group stage.
Ultimately, the tournament is so prestigious across the footballing world that it will continue to be well-supported no matter the circumstances, but this time around, it’s hard to shake the feeling that many fans are truly being priced out.