As the 2026 World Cup approaches, a growing number of soccer enthusiasts are deciding to sit out the tournament rather than face the mounting costs of travel and attendance.
Escalating expenses reshape fan experience
Ticket prices have surged compared with previous editions, and FIFA’s policy of allowing resale at any price has added a 30 % fee to every transaction, further inflating the expense for supporters.
Hotels in the host cities of the United States, Canada and Mexico are reporting lower-than-expected bookings, a trend that reflects the broader hesitation among fans to commit to the event.
For many, the financial barrier begins with the visa process; some travelers must post bonds as high as $15,000 to gain entry, a hurdle that has discouraged prospective visitors from countries such as Argentina and the Netherlands.
Mark Doidge, a sociologist who studies sports fandom, warns that these rising costs risk alienating the passionate fan base that has long defined the World Cup’s atmosphere.
Individual stories illustrate the dilemma. Emiliano Becerra paid $1,200 for a resale ticket to see Argentina’s match in Dallas, only to cut his trip short and head home before the knockout stage. Similarly, Tomonori Akutsu, a Japanese supporter, described the United States as the worst host, citing a “complete lack of hospitality.”
Even fans who manage to secure affordable lodging often do so through refundable bookings, a strategy that reflects the uncertainty many feel about committing to a tournament that may not deliver the promised experience.
Political tensions add another layer of complexity. Peter Bergakker, a commentator, says the “hostile” rhetoric of former President Donald Trump has altered his perception of traveling to the United States, and he worries that online criticism could lead to border complications, a concern the White House has dismissed.
The cumulative effect of these factors is already visible in the reduced number of organized fan tours; a Uruguayan travel agency reported arranging packages for only about 3,000 supporters, a fraction of the numbers seen at recent World Cups.