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Fans Priced Out of Record-Breaking 2026 World Cup
20 Feb
Summary
- The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams, playing over 100 matches.
- Ticket prices are significantly higher than the previous World Cup.
- Concerns exist about affordability for global fans due to costs and spread.
The 2026 men's football World Cup is poised to become the most extensive tournament to date. It will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, necessitating over 100 matches to be played across North America.
This significant scale increase, however, comes with a notable drawback: substantially higher ticket prices compared to the previous World Cup held in Qatar. The logistical challenge of matches being spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada further exacerbates concerns about the tournament's accessibility and affordability for fans worldwide.
FIFA has stated that increased revenues generated from the event will be directed towards growing the sport globally. They have also released some lower-priced tickets specifically for dedicated supporters. Despite these measures, some fan organizations argue that these efforts are insufficient to address the overall financial barrier for attendees.
