Key Highlights
- FIFA holds back tickets for the U.S. vs. Paraguay match in 2026 World Cup.
- More than 10,000 unsold tickets remain available as of two weeks before the game.
- Tickets are listed on FIFA’s resale platform and third-party sites at lower prices.
- FIFA has not lowered primary ticket prices despite slow sales.
The Unsold World Cup Opener: A Closer Look
Just two weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, thousands of tickets remain unsold for the USA vs. Paraguay opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This is not just a story about supply and demand; it’s a window into how FIFA manages its ticketing process.
A Cautious Approach
FIFA has been holding back tickets for most matches, releasing them in batches throughout the sales period. For the USA vs. Paraguay game, this strategy seems to have worked—initially.
However, as of Thursday evening, over 10,000 unsold tickets were available on FIFA’s primary portal and resale platforms. This suggests that despite strong initial interest, demand has not materialized at expected levels.
Resale Market Dynamics
The resale market offers a fascinating glimpse into the reality of ticket prices. On FIFA’s resale platform, many tickets are listed for less than the primary prices—some even at half the price after fees and taxes. This indicates that fans may be more willing to purchase cheaper alternatives rather than pay full price.
FIFA’s Pricing Strategy
Interestingly, FIFA has not adjusted its primary ticket prices despite the slow sales. Category 1 tickets for the U.S. opener are still priced at $2,735, while Category 2 and 3 tickets are priced at $1,940 and $1,120 respectively. This consistency raises questions about whether FIFA believes in the long-term value of these prices or is waiting for a last-minute surge in demand.
Behind the Scenes
FIFA has been transparently releasing more tickets over recent weeks. On May 7, they added thousands to their portal, but many disappeared within hours. This pattern suggests that FIFA might be testing market reactions and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Whether these adjustments are driven by genuine demand or by a desire to create the illusion of scarcity remains unclear.
For now, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson is confident in home support for the game, promoting upcoming friendlies as evidence of fan engagement. However, with over 10,000 tickets still available, it’s clear that the path to a sold-out stadium will be an uphill battle.
You might think this is new, but it’s just another chapter in FIFA’s long-standing ticketing saga. The question remains: Will these unsold tickets find their way into the stands, or will they become yet another footnote in the tournament’s history?