Fans weigh in on 2026 WC ‘low hype’ claims, bashes FIFA over ‘extortionate’ ticket prices
FIFA is facing mounting criticism over ticket pricing and reported concerns about fan hype and engagement ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The expanded tournament, the first to feature 48 nations, is scheduled to begin in four months. However, debate intensified this week after a post from @Touchlinex claimed:
“𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: There is major concern within FIFA regarding the lack of hype for the upcoming World Cup and they don’t know why.
“It will be the first ever tournament with 48 countries participating, but many seats remain unsold.
“With the tournament being only 4 months away, the scale of the event is not matching the hype it should have.”
FIFA has publicly reported record demand figures, stating that hundreds of millions of ticket requests have been submitted.
Nonetheless, attention has shifted to the cost of premium seats, particularly for high-profile matches.
Fans question pricing
Category 1 tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium have been priced between $2,790 and $4,210. On the official resale platform, listings have reportedly climbed significantly higher.
Supporters online have pointed directly to affordability as the issue. @BobbyBlueschels wrote:
“Have they seen the ticket prices? They expect people to buy that?
“If they really care about this sports they will have to adjust on that part.
They price are ridiculous”
Another user, @OffsideCuler, added:
“That’s what you get when you take the World Cup to a country that calls it soccer”
FIFA has introduced a limited “Supporter Entry Tier” priced at $60, but criticism persists that overall costs risk pricing out traditional fans.
Nigeria conversation enters debate
Alongside pricing concerns, qualification narratives have surfaced. Supporters of the Nigeria national football team have suggested the Super Eagles’ involvement could boost global excitement.
@Cleverlydey4u wrote:
“Let FIFA approve Nigeria over congo and we will bring in the Hype”
Nigeria’s qualification remains subject to an expected Monday verdict by FIFA, following petition by the Nigeria Football Federation.
