2026 World Cup Draws 104-Match Excitement as Fans Balk at $10,000 Tickets and US Political Risks
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 7
2026 World Cup Draws 104-Match Excitement as Fans Balk at $10,000 Tickets and US Political Risks
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 7
Summary
Fans worldwide described the 2026 World Cup as both irresistible and troubling, with many still planning to watch or attend despite deep unease over costs, politics and FIFA’s conduct.
Ticket prices drove much of the backlash: readers cited resale seats in the high triple or low quadruple digits, one England fan held a conditional final ticket, and another pointed to reports of $10,000 seats.
Travel, heat and security worries added to the hesitation, especially around US immigration checks, ICE presence, transport costs and the prospect of extreme summer temperatures at American venues.
Still, the tournament’s pull remained strong for many supporters, from first-time qualifiers such as Norway and Scotland to host-city fans in New York and Vancouver hoping the football itself can reclaim attention.
The 39-day event starts Thursday across the US, Mexico and Canada, with 104 matches ending in the 19 July final in New Jersey.