US vs UK: Why World Cup Tickets Cost So Much More Here

The 2026 World Cup ticket prices are sparking controversy, with British fans protesting "despicable" costs, while US fans often accept higher prices as standard. In 2016, Liverpool fans successfully protested £77 tickets, forcing a reduction to £59. In contrast, US sports have seen ticket prices skyrocket; from 1991 to 2023, NFL and MLB game costs rose by around 300%, with average NFL tickets now exceeding $300.

FIFA attributes its World Cup pricing to "existing market practice" in host countries like the US. Experts cite factors such as rising incomes, population growth, and the widespread adoption of "dynamic pricing" in US sports since 2009, which allows for real-time price adjustments based on demand. This contrasts with European football clubs, often viewed as community assets with deep historical roots, where fan resistance to exorbitant prices is common.

Cultural and legal differences also play a role. The US has fewer restrictions on ticket resale, encouraging a secondary market that can drive up initial prices. Conversely, many European nations have regulations against touting, fostering fan loyalty and goodwill through more stable pricing. This creates a distinct economic and cultural landscape for sports ticketing globally.