According to Bloomberg, this summer's FIFA World Cup is set to generate billions of dollars, but a new Bloomberg Originals documentary examines the cost for ordinary fans. The broadcaster reported that dynamic ticket pricing and soaring costs are leaving many ordinary supporters priced out, while the cities hosting the tournament face the risk of financial strain.
According to Bloomberg, the tournament's return to North America will be unprecedented in several ways. The broadcaster reported that it is the first FIFA World Cup to be staged across three nations, with 16 host cities spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking a significant expansion in the scale and footprint of the event.
According to Bloomberg, the format itself is also expanding. The broadcaster reported that this will be the first tournament featuring 48 countries instead of 32, which means a total of 104 matches will be played, considerably more than in previous editions of the competition and adding to the logistical demands on organisers.
According to Bloomberg, the way tickets are sold marks another first for the World Cup. The broadcaster reported that this is the first edition where tickets are subject to dynamic pricing, meaning prices can change on an hourly, daily or weekly basis depending on supply and demand. While such pricing is familiar in the United States, this is the first time FIFA has introduced it.
According to Bloomberg, the impact on prices has been striking. The broadcaster reported one example in which a ticket originally purchased for 446 dollars was being resold for 22,316 dollars, while some of the cheapest resale tickets were going for around 7,000 dollars. It noted that the market has drawn many speculative buyers hoping to resell tickets at a markup.
According to Bloomberg, organisers have leaned into the commercial opportunity. The broadcaster reported that, with the United States seen as the ultimate market, FIFA is applying market rates and using that demand to its full advantage. At the same time, the heavy presence of resale and speculative buying has raised questions about how much of the demand is genuine.
According to Bloomberg, ticket prices are not the only obstacle facing fans. The broadcaster reported that immigration and tourism policies under President Trump have made it difficult for some people from certain countries to obtain visas to attend the tournament. It added that if fans cannot or do not attend, what looked like a profitable event for host cities could instead turn into a financial burden.