Large patches of empty seats greeted the World Cup in Guadalajara on Friday, a humiliating sight for FIFA after it adopted variable pricing for the first time in tournament history. The cheapest standard finals tickets cost $5,785 (£4,315), with some resale listings reaching close to $33,000 (£24,621). Prices were reduced across all 104 matches earlier this month and 70 percent of bulk-reserved hotel rooms were released, but as of the eve of the tournament around 180,000 tickets remained on official FIFA resale platforms, with 15,000 group-stage tickets still available directly via its site.
On the pitch, Canada earned their first-ever point at a World Cup finals with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Jovo Lukic opened the scoring for Bosnia before Cyle Larin’s second-half equaliser secured a result for the co-hosts in Group B. The match was followed by another co-host, the United States, beginning their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, preceded by the tournament’s third opening ceremony.
“Empty seats and record ticket prices overshadow World Cup 2026 as Canada secure first-ever point.”
Away from the action, England confirmed that four players have left the camp, while Donald Trump sent a message to the USA stars. The ticket price crisis, however, continues to dominate the narrative as FIFA faces scrutiny over affordability for fans.