There are a few things to unpack here. I won't comment on the anniversary—that's a minefield.
Its the 250th anniversary of the USA? what more is there to comment on? How is that a "minefield"?!?!?!? I really dont understand this comment. Do you want to just say you hate America? Go ahead and say it for the record. And go on defending nations like IRAN and China.
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going back on topic ->
Historically, World Cup group stage tickets were accessible, with average resale prices around $687 in 2014 ($920 today) and official face-value options as low as $69 in 2022. For 2026 in America, the situation has changed dramatically. The U.S. legal resale market allows professional brokers—many American—to buy tickets during FIFA sales and relist them with no price caps. FIFA facilitates this by taking a commission on its official Resale Marketplace. This is pure capitalism at work: scarcity, high demand, and no price controls. Resellers charge what the market will bear, even if that means seats sit empty. The result is average group stage resale prices of $1,277, with some matches exceeding $2,500. The clearest consequence is visible on television: empty seats at World Cup matches, not because tickets are unavailable, but because fans have been priced out. In this capitalist system, maximum profit takes priority over filling stadiums.
The US exports capitalism selectively, in order to ensure US profits surge. When the US government refused to allow Nvidia to sell advanced chips to China, it was framed as national interest. But when China responded by saying, "OK, we will ban the sale of all Nvidia chips in China," the US cried foul. Similarly, when the US sanctioned Russian energy exports, and India continued buying Russian oil, the US cried foul. India's response was simple: we are a willing buyer on the international market, purchasing at market value. That is capitalism. So what is the problem? The problem is that the US only believes in free markets when it is winning. When others play the same game—by the same rules—America calls it unfair.
Imagine if the Superbowl was held in another country and the price per ticket was increased inline with what we are seeing with the World Cup.
Lets just make one thing clear so we all understand and are in agreement. CHINA CP does not play by the "rules". They steal intellectual property, unleash Covid upon the world, say it originated from a market in the city... Doesnt seem fair to me...
As for ticket sellers. are you talking about something like Ticketmaster? Ya idk seems like the prices are similar to what they were 12 years ago, inflated some. But you are forgetting one thing these services provide. when you purchase thru them you are getting a verified ticket and not a counterfeit. So that is good. There are a finite number of tickets per game, not all can go that want to probably. If the tickets go unsold, seller takes big loss. So thats good. then market correct, ticket price goes lower? I dont really understand your issue? Not everyone can go, Money gets you things and buys things you want, usually how it works. What do you suggest? Everyone who wants ticket puts name in raffle? and winners have to provide ID and fingerprints to assure they dont resell their tickets? Seems very un-american to me. Just to attend a sporting event... Remember USA is host nation, maybe just understand those coming to view are visitors and they should respect other nations and their customs. If capitalism is American, respect it and pay for the ticket, Or dont come at all and watch on your TV.
And for the record, im not a big fan of resellers or the model but they provide a service and probably make accessing tickets easier and eliminates black market scammers ripping people off. So there are some benefits.
This post was edited by GuyLadouche on Jun 18 2026 06:03pm