World Cup 2026 Tickets Struggle to Sell: Concern Over U.S. Debut

FIFA is facing an unexpected problem ahead of the 2026 World Cup: low ticket sales for the United States’ opening match.

The game against Paraguay, scheduled for June 12 at SoFi Stadium, has not generated the expected demand.

Less than 60% of tickets sold in World Cup 2026 opening match

According to reports from The New York Times, the match has sold less than 60% of its available tickets.

As of April 10, approximately 40,934 tickets had been sold in a stadium with a capacity of around 70,000 spectators.

World Cup 2026 prices, the main issue

The high cost of tickets appears to be the biggest obstacle.

The cheapest tickets exceed $2,000 on specialized platforms, discouraging a large portion of fans.

In comparison, other matches at the same venue—such as Iran vs. New Zealand—have seen better demand, with ticket prices around $400.

Additional costs complicate the situation

Beyond ticket prices, attending the World Cup will involve significant extra expenses for fans:

• Stadium parking: more than $200
• Transportation (such as travel to MetLife Stadium): up to $150

These added costs significantly increase the total investment required for supporters.

A challenge for FIFA

The 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, is facing a key challenge: filling stadiums.

The combination of high prices and logistical expenses could impact attendance at one of the most ambitious tournaments in history.

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