The FIFA World Cup is underway across Canada, the United States and Mexico, and while fans hope the action on the pitch will dominate the conversation, the lead-up to the tournament has already been marked by controversy and logistical headaches. Issues included Somalian referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the U.S. without a public explanation, and travel restrictions placed on the Iranian team that require them to enter and leave the country within 24 hours for each match.
Alongside those stories, another topic has taken center stage: how expensive it is to attend World Cup matches in North America.
A culture of expensive sport
Major sporting events in North America have long been more costly to attend than similar events elsewhere, and FIFA’s ticketing strategy for this tournament echoes some of the continent’s more controversial practices. FIFA introduced dynamic pricing—where ticket prices rise as demand increases—and also assumed significant control over the resale market. That combination is similar to the model used by large ticketing platforms that handle both primary and secondary sales.
The result is the most expensive World Cup in history by a wide margin. Face-value tickets for Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina were listed in the range of $486 CAD to $2,391 CAD, with many seats selling for far more on secondary marketplaces. Tickets for matches in New York City later in the tournament were being listed at prices reported between $15,400 CAD and $33,500 CAD.
To put those prices in perspective, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, many local tickets were available for roughly $11 USD (about $15 CAD), and the most expensive final tickets were around $1,607 USD (about $225 CAD). Even regular club football can be far cheaper: a full season ticket for Paris Saint-Germain in France ranges roughly between €460 and €1,320 (about $744 to $2,135 CAD), a sum that in some cases would not buy a single seat at this World Cup.
Will ticket prices drop?
A sky-high price tag does not necessarily mean the market will hold. If demand for particular fixtures is weaker than FIFA expects, prices could fall as the matchday approaches. Fans hoping to see live games should monitor ticketing platforms closely in the days leading up to each match—this includes FIFA’s own channels and major secondary marketplaces—because sellers may reduce prices rather than risk empty seats and poor television visuals.
FIFA has a precedent for slashing prices when demand disappoints. In 2025, during the Club World Cup, ticket prices for certain matches plunged dramatically in the final days before kickoff, demonstrating that rapid reductions are possible when stadiums risk remaining half full.
Some venues and matches are more likely to see markdowns. Vancouver’s stadiums, for example, have substantially larger capacity than Toronto’s relative to local population, which could lead to more last-minute availability for matches at BC Place. Conversely, high-profile games featuring the host nation or marquee opponents are less likely to drop in price.
Which matches might be discounted?
Matches featuring Canada and major opponents typically attracted intense interest and were difficult to find at reduced prices. However, fixtures involving teams with smaller followings or lower perceived competitive interest are candidates for discounts as matchday nears. Examples of games with weaker international demand include Ghana vs. Panama and Senegal vs. Iraq. In Vancouver, Canada vs. Switzerland is likely to draw the most attention, while New Zealand vs. Egypt may be among the least in-demand matches at that venue.
Why demand may not be as high as FIFA thinks
Soccer is not the dominant sport across much of North America. In Canada, hockey remains the leading spectator sport; in the United States, American football and basketball claim the largest audiences. Because domestic spectators are expected to form a significant portion of ticket buyers, the relative popularity of soccer in host markets will shape demand.
International fans face different calculations. Supporters in nations with strong domestic leagues and frequent access to elite soccer—countries such as England and Spain—may prefer to attend high-quality matches closer to home for a fraction of the cost. That reduces the pool of travelling supporters willing to pay premium prices to cross oceans for group-stage fixtures.
Other upcoming tournaments may also sway potential travelers. The 2028 UEFA European Championship will be hosted in the UK and Ireland, and organizers have indicated a substantial allocation of affordable tickets, with roughly 40% priced under $98 CAD—an option that could keep some fans at home until events closer to their region become available.
Political considerations and perceptions of safety or visa difficulty can further dampen travel plans. Reports during the run-up to the tournament suggested that hotel demand in some U.S. host cities fell short of expectations, and there were early indications that third-party resale prices were softening in certain markets. In response to concerns over resale markup, Ontario implemented measures to prohibit ticket resale above face value; British Columbia had not adopted the same rule at the time of reporting.
Where else can you watch the World Cup?
If attending a match in person is out of reach, there are many affordable ways to experience the tournament atmosphere. Cities hosting games have organized public screenings and fan festivals, and a host of bars and community venues are staging viewings for supporters.
Toronto
In Toronto, large public broadcasts and fan events are scheduled at high-profile locations. Free outdoor viewing has been organized at civic squares, alongside temporary soccer pitches and family activities. Some centralized fan festival events offered tickets that sold out quickly, leaving only premium-priced options for latecomers. Numerous sports bars and public venues around Union Station, Queen West and market areas have set up large screens and will be lively gathering points on matchdays.
Vancouver
Vancouver’s Fan Festival at a major park includes free general admission on many days, an amphitheatre that hosts concerts and programming, and international food and family zones. Granville Island and other community hubs are hosting large outdoor screens and organized watch parties, while neighbourhood pubs and theatres are offering coordinated matchday programming with DJs, group seating and themed hospitality.
A word of caution
Watching a World Cup in person can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s important not to overstretch financially. If you’re determined to see a live match, plan carefully and monitor ticket platforms right up until kickoff—especially for less sought-after fixtures. Sellers often adjust prices in the final hours, and patient shoppers may find opportunities to attend without breaking the bank.