2026 World Cup ticket prices ‘soar’ once again after emphatic USMNT victory triggers major spike

The United States' stunning 2026 World Cup opening victory over Paraguay has sparked a dramatic surge in ticket prices, with supporters now facing even steeper costs to watch Mauricio Pochettino's side in action.

After the USMNT's historic 4-1 win at SoFi Stadium, demand for the team's remaining group-stage fixtures has skyrocketed across secondary ticket markets, pushing already eye-watering prices even higher.

USMNT success sends 2026 World Cup resale prices soaring

According to The Athletic, the cheapest resale tickets for the United States' next match against Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle have climbed above $1,800 (£1,330), almost six times higher than FIFA's original Category 3 ticket price.

Just days earlier, entry-level tickets had been available for around $1,000 (£740), meaning prices have increased by 63 per cent in less than a week.

There has been a similar trend for the USA's final group-stage fixture against Turkey at SoFi Stadium on June 25th.

The cheapest resale tickets jumped from around $1,086 (£800) before the Paraguay game to more than $1,450 (£1,070) afterwards, representing a rise of roughly 66 per cent compared to earlier in the week.

Prices have also increased for potential knockout matches involving the USMNT, with supporters rushing to secure seats following an opening-night performance that generated huge excitement among home fans.

While FIFA's official resale platform remains slightly cheaper than third-party marketplaces, prices there have also increased following the victory.

FGG says: It has already been the tale of two World Cups

The latest price surge highlights the growing contrast between matches involving host nations and football's biggest teams compared to the rest of the tournament.

While tickets for US matches are now soaring on the resale market, FIFA has spent weeks battling concerns over unsold seats and falling prices for many other group-stage fixtures, like South Korea vs Czechia on the opening night.

It underlines that demand clearly exists for premium World Cup experiences, but only when fans believe the match justifies the cost.

For neutrals, paying four-figure sums to watch the host nation riding a wave of momentum is one thing, but paying similar prices for less glamorous group-stage fixtures is quite another, and that remains one of the defining issues of this tournament's ticketing strategy.