The FIFA 2026 World Cup kicks off next week across Canada, Mexico and the US. But controversy over what’s already the most expensive tournament in history has become its own main event. With ticket prices skyrocketing to six figures, eye-watering costs for everything from transit to parking and fear of the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policies, some fans have sworn off attending at all.
Host cities, meanwhile, are scrambling to avoid a loss, looking to offset costs associated with the games by passing them on to consumers and taxpayers. In the New York area, where the World Cup final will be held, New Jersey Transit is offering tickets to Metlife Stadium for $98, a trip that usually costs about $13.
