As the 2026 World Cup approaches, a new study from Seton Hall University reveals a troubling trend: fan interest in the tournament is plummeting, and the culprit is clear—sky-high ticket prices and a frustrating buying process.

The study tracked fan enthusiasm over six months, from October 2025 to April 2026. Initially, 14% of surveyed fans expressed a willingness to purchase tickets. By April, that number had dropped to just 10%. Among dedicated soccer fans, interest fell from 40% to 30%, while avid sports fans saw a decline from 33% to 25%. Even casual sports fans weren't immune, with interest slipping from 21% to 16%.

"Across three lotteries and a general sale, FIFA has made buying tickets to the World Cup incredibly difficult," said Daniel Ladik, Ph.D., the study's methodologist. "Beyond the complexity of purchasing tickets, there are many group stage tickets priced at Super Bowl levels—something most Americans cannot afford."

The numbers back him up. For example, a single ticket to see the U.S. face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood costs over $1,000. Even fans willing to watch a non-host team match face a several-hundred-dollar entry fee. For many, that's a steep price for a group-stage game.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pointed fingers at the American resale market, arguing that low initial prices would only fuel scalping. "In the U.S., it is permitted to resell tickets, as well. So if you were to sell tickets at a price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price," he said. Conveniently, FIFA takes a 30% cut of all resales on its official platform—a policy that critics say does little to lower costs for fans.

With just one month until the world's biggest soccer tournament lands on North American soil, the dream of a stadium experience is fading for many. Instead of soaking in the atmosphere live, most domestic fans will be watching from their couches, priced out of what should be a once-in-a-lifetime event.