US Soccer Team to Face Paraguay in World Cup Match Despite Empty Seats

FIFA’s World Cup Ticket Sales Remain Underwhelming

With just under 40 days to go until the tournament, FIFA is continuing to struggle with ticket sales for most group-stage games. Despite high prices, many seats remain available for purchase.

Tickets for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay are now on sale, ranging in price from $1,120 to $4,105. The hospitality package groupings offer the highest prices at $6,050 per seat. Fans can still purchase tickets through FIFA’s official website, including those listed under the “last-minute sales” section.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that demand for tickets would be equivalent to “1,000 years of World Cups at once.” However, experts attribute dynamic pricing and greed as key factors contributing to stagnant sales. Fans from around the world are not accustomed to this pricing model, which is commonly used in the US.

Peter Moore, a former Liverpool chief executive, expressed his concerns about FIFA’s 30% cut of dynamic pricing. He stated that FIFA is taking advantage of unique commercial opportunities and the secondary market being legal in the US to maximize profits.

As of now, seven group-stage games still have general sale tickets available for $380. The most expensive group game is the USA vs Paraguay opener, followed by Argentina vs Austria and Ecuador vs Germany. A total of 17 group-stage games are sold out, including the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.

Fans can find more information on FIFA’s official website or follow Al Jazeera English for updates on the World Cup.

Source: Al Jazeera