World Cup 2026 pricing locks out fans in poorer host nations

FIFA's ticket structure for the 2026 World Cup is fracturing the fan base along income lines. Mexico City group-stage seats appear at $759 on secondary markets, a barrier for most Mexican households where GDP per capita is one-tenth the U.S. figure. Meanwhile, elevated prices have already suppressed hotel and airline bookings in U.S. cities. The pricing gap—from $11.50 for qualifying matches to $8,680 for the final—reveals FIFA's choice to maximize revenue over accessibility, risking the tournament's stated promise of cross-national unity.