‘The best feeling ever,’ This Toronto soccer fan dropped $2,500 on a World Cup ticket and has no regrets

As Toronto prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one resident is sharing how he was able to secure three tickets for him and his family to catch a game in the city. 

With less than a year left for the World Cup to kick off, Toronto is already feeling the soccer energy, with anticipation growing among fans after FIFA recently revealed a full schedule of its group-phase games. 

Aidan D’Souza, his father, and brother are avid soccer fans, who have been hoping to score a chance to watch a game ever since they first learned Canada would be hosting the World Cup. 

They soon realized that might be a challenge after ticket applications first opened, with many fans raising concerns about steep prices and technical difficulties securing tickets. 

“From the start, me, my dad and my brother, we wanted to go to the World Cup, but we knew how challenging it might be to get a ticket just because you are competing with so many other people just to secure the tickets for general admission, just to sit or even stand in the stadium,” D’Souza told Now Toronto on Tuesday. 

That was when they received a promotional email from FIFA with an opportunity to secure their hospitality packages, and decided not to waste another second trying to score seats. 

“We took action right away. First of all, we didn’t know what group we’re even going to play against, because it was a week before the schedule came out, so that was a little bit challenging. But at the end of the day, we just wanted to attend a World Cup [game] because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to a World Cup game, especially in our own city,” he said. 

Soon after that, on Nov. 30, D’Souza scored three tickets to watch the game at BMO Field in Toronto. The tickets were part of the hospitality package, which came with included food and drink options as well as an exclusive gift. Each tickets cost $2,500. 

“At the end of the day, we pay for the experience, I would say. I think that’s worth it,” he said. 

“It was the best feeling ever, I would say, just experiencing that right? Because we knew it was going to be so hard to get tickets, but when we finally did, it was just an amazing feeling. I can’t even describe it, but we’re all happy to go just all together.” 

For those looking to still secure their tickets, D’Souza advises not to lose hope and to double check that your tickets are authentic before buying. 

“Also, money will always come back, right? But an experience, it might not happen again. So, I would say, if you are able to, go for it, take a chance, and I hope to see you at the World Cup!” 

FAN JUST LEARNED WHICH GAME HE’S SEEING

D’Souza says they only found out which game they’re watching when FIFA announced the event’s full schedule last week, and are excited to see Senegal vs. another group which will be decided at another playoff game on June 26. 

Still, as fellow Canadians, D’Souza says their cheers are with team Canada.

“We have to support Canada. I am excited to see how they’re going to play this year, but I know it’s going to be great. So, I am cheering for Canada, but still excited to see Senegal play as well, just because…my family’s original background is from Africa, not Senegal, but still, it will be good to see them,” he said.  

Reflecting on the World Series last month, D’Souza hopes to see the same energy light up the city for the World Cup next year. 

“Oh my gosh, the energy in the city was just amazing. And I know for the World Cup, it’s going to be like that as well, just getting everyone hyped up,” he added. 

The next phase for general admissions World Cup ticket sales begin on Dec. 11, with fans being able to join until Jan. 13 for a chance to catch the game. 

This third phase will be a Random Selection Draw, which will open at FIFA.com/tickets, where fans will be able to create an account or log into their FIFA ID and select which matches and ticket categories they would like to purchase, and receive confirmation on whether they have been able to successfully purchase tickets by February.