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≡ FIFA WORLD CUP ≡
It was reported by The Athletic that a 10 April sales report noted that 40,934 seats had been sold for 70,000-seat SoFi Stadium for the 12 June opening match between the U.S. and Paraguay and that 50,661 had been purchased for the 15 June match with Iran and New Zealand.
On Tuesday, FIFA announced a new sale of tickets beginning on Wednesday:
“At the start of sale, tickets will be available across categories 1 to 3 and the front-row seat categories, depending on the match. This ticket drop is part of the ongoing Last-Minute Sales Phase, which runs until the end of the tournament.”
FIFA has been criticized for high ticket prices; The Associated Press noted, “FIFA’s December sale priced U.S.-Paraguay tickets at $1,120, $1,940 and $2,735, and Iran-New Zealand seats at $140, $380 and $450.”
The FIFA announcement stated that buyers in this round of sales will be able to purchase a specific seat at a match:
“Users will be able to see the matches and categories for which tickets are available, select specific seats and proceed with their purchase, and they will receive confirmation once payment is completed. Fans will be able to choose directly from the seat map option to select specific seats or use the ‘Book the best seat’ feature.”
In previous rounds, buyers had bought into a seating category rather than a specific location. Additional tickets will continue to be released in the future; the tournament begins on 11 June.
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As for the Iranian team, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said Tuesday in an Iranian media report:
“If the safety of the national team’s players in the United States is ensured, we will travel to the World Cup. However, the decision on participation will be made by the government and the Supreme National Security Council [of Iran].”
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The Philadelphia Soccer 2026 host committee and FIFA World Cup tournament Supporter Airbnb announced that Aribnb will “provide complimentary rides home on SEPTA’s (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) B (Broad Street Line) after all six FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia. The free-ride-home program is designed to expand access to safe, reliable transportation and help ensure all fans can fully participate in the FIFA World Cup experience.”
Six matches will be played at Lincoln Financial Field; the announcement noted:
“Complimentary rides home from NRG Station for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will begin at halftime and continue for two (2) hours following the end of the match. Regular fares will apply for all travel to the matches.”
This is the latest in the transportation saga for the FIFA World Cup, with transit service in Boston priced at $95 round-trip and $90 (bus) or $150 (train) by New Jersey Transit to matches at MetLife Stadium.
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Never one to miss an opportunity, FIFA is now offering stadium tours during the tournament, so far at six sites, in Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, New York-New Jersey, Philadelphia and Seattle, on multiple dates.
Prices range, so far, from $54.31 to $89.66 – depending on location – for a 90-120 minute tour that offers “a behind-the-scenes experience, with access to areas such as locker rooms, media zones, premium areas and pitch viewpoints.”
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