What to know
- Thousands of tickets remain available for Toronto’s six FIFA World Cup matches less than two weeks before the tournament begins on June 11.
- High prices may be keeping fans away, with some tickets for Toronto’s opening match listed at more than $2,300, while other matches are available for significantly less.
- Many fans are holding off on purchasing tickets, hoping prices will drop closer to kickoff after seeing ticket prices decline for matches in other host cities.
- Even if ticket prices remain high, fans will still have opportunities to watch the tournament through public watch parties, the FIFA Fan Festival, and local bars and restaurants.
Less than two weeks before the FIFA World Cup kicks off, thousands of tickets remain available for matches in Toronto. Many fans are taking that as a sign to keep waiting.
The FIFA World Cup officially begins on June 11, with Toronto set to host six matches at Rogers Stadium. Despite the tournament’s fast-approaching start date, thousands of tickets remain available for games in Toronto.
Some seats are still listed for more than $2,000. Soccer fans online say they’re holding off on buying tickets in hopes prices will fall closer to game day, pointing to similar drops that have already been reported in other host cities.
High ticket prices remain a barrier
One reason for the unsold inventory may be the steep cost of admission. As of Tuesday, nosebleed seats for Toronto’s opening match between Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium were listed for $2,300. The most expensive seats available for the match were priced at $3,135.
Prices change depending on the matchup. For example, tickets for the following game between Ghana and Panama were listed for as low as $630, while premium seats were selling for as much as $1,070.
Fans betting on last-minute discounts
While some matches are already more affordable than others, many fans online believe ticket prices could continue to fall as the tournament draws closer.
Some supporters have pointed to examples from other host cities. One fan noted that tickets for Scotland versus Haiti at Boston Stadium on June 13 were selling for roughly $400, claiming the same seats had previously been priced at $1,250.
As a result, some fans, including Canadians, are planning to wait even longer before purchasing tickets, with some prepared to hold out until the tournament begins. Others have joked about turning to scalpers if prices remain out of reach.
“Showing up to Liberty Village with a crisp $20 Canadian bill on game day and staring down a scalper until kick off,” one X user wrote.
“Waiting at BC Place for the same lol,” another fan replied.
“Imma do the same in Atlanta to be honest. These tickets too, some of these games are going to drop like CRAZY,” a third fan said.
Will prices actually fall?
FIFA ticket prices can fluctuate based on demand, inventory and resale activity, however, there has been no official announcement by FIFA that prices are guaranteed to drop closer to the games.
Plenty of ways to watch
While supporters can only hope ticket prices decline in the days ahead, there will still be plenty of opportunities to follow the tournament without attending matches in person.
Several cities are expected to host public watch parties, including Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival.
Bars and restaurants are also expected to be packed with supporters as fans gather to watch Canada take on the world’s best teams.
