FIFA's Latest Gamble: World Cup Tickets Sold to Elite for Thousands
As one of millions who desperately tried to snag tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I'm still reeling from the experience. The price tag? A whopping $465 per ticket - a staggering sum that would be a financial burden on many fans.
The process itself was a test of endurance, with countless hours spent in long queues waiting for tickets to become available. Those who were eventually granted access to tickets faced another hurdle: transferring them to the buyer's account without any guarantee of success.
My own attempt at this ordeal ended in frustration when the tickets disappeared from my account and reappeared in someone else's without warning or confirmation. It was a harrowing experience that made me wonder if anyone from outside the American middle class, where spending power tends to be higher, could ever afford to attend a game.
According to FIFA, more than one million tickets were sold in the first phase of sales. But who exactly are these customers? The majority appear to be members of the financial elite - lawyers, tech bros, and sponsors - all of whom can reasonably afford the ticket prices.
In fact, it's little wonder that many fans like a high school teacher I spoke with are struggling to get tickets, let alone afford them. Her son is desperate for a World Cup experience, but $465 per ticket is simply out of reach.
It's hard not to question whether this World Cup will be the event of the 1%. With such exorbitant prices and technical challenges that prevent many fans from attending, it feels like tickets are being sold exclusively to those with deep pockets.
As one of millions who desperately tried to snag tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I'm still reeling from the experience. The price tag? A whopping $465 per ticket - a staggering sum that would be a financial burden on many fans.
The process itself was a test of endurance, with countless hours spent in long queues waiting for tickets to become available. Those who were eventually granted access to tickets faced another hurdle: transferring them to the buyer's account without any guarantee of success.
My own attempt at this ordeal ended in frustration when the tickets disappeared from my account and reappeared in someone else's without warning or confirmation. It was a harrowing experience that made me wonder if anyone from outside the American middle class, where spending power tends to be higher, could ever afford to attend a game.
According to FIFA, more than one million tickets were sold in the first phase of sales. But who exactly are these customers? The majority appear to be members of the financial elite - lawyers, tech bros, and sponsors - all of whom can reasonably afford the ticket prices.
In fact, it's little wonder that many fans like a high school teacher I spoke with are struggling to get tickets, let alone afford them. Her son is desperate for a World Cup experience, but $465 per ticket is simply out of reach.
It's hard not to question whether this World Cup will be the event of the 1%. With such exorbitant prices and technical challenges that prevent many fans from attending, it feels like tickets are being sold exclusively to those with deep pockets.
i was so excited but then i realized i need to sell my old laptop to afford the ticket 
what if ppl from other countries cant afford it tho? isnt that kinda unfair 
. I mean, $465 is just crazy, especially when you think about people like the teacher I met who just want to see their kid play. It's not like we're asking for luxury suites or anything - just a seat to watch the game with fellow fans would be amazing 
. And what's with all these technical issues that make it impossible for some people to even buy tickets? It's just so frustrating!
It's crazy how FIFA is making this World Cup so exclusive to the wealthy crowd. Like, I get it, they need to make some cash, but $465 is just nuts! 
You'd think with all the hype around the tournament, they'd do something to make it more accessible to regular people. But nope, it looks like only the 1% are gonna be getting their World Cup fix 
. The whole process felt like a game of chance, not a fair shot at attending the biggest sports event in the world 
. What's next? Selling Olympic medals for millions? 
It's just not right that only the privileged few can experience the thrill of the World Cup 
.
And don't even get me started on the technical issues that keep happening - it's just a nightmare for anyone trying to buy tickets! 
but idk if thats feasible 