/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F06%2Fimago1078337773.jpg)
The 2026 World Cup is just two days away from kicking off, yet ticket sales continue to raise questions after fresh figures revealed the vast majority of matches still have seats available.
For a tournament that FIFA has repeatedly described as the biggest and most ambitious in football history, the latest numbers paint a striking picture of fan demand across the competition.
FIFA see majority of 2026 World Cup games go unsold
Fresh figures emerging this week suggest that tickets remain available for 87 of the tournament's 104 matches through FIFA's official ticketing platform.
That means around 83.7 per cent of all World Cup fixtures still have unsold inventory with less than 72 hours remaining before the opening game.
The issue is not limited to smaller fixtures in difficult locations, either.
Reports have highlighted unsold seats for several group-stage matches, including Scotland's opener against Haiti at Boston Stadium, where thousands of tickets are reportedly still available.
In Canada, supporters have complained about being priced out of matches at Toronto Stadium despite hundreds of tickets remaining unsold, while the United States' opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium still has availability.
The situation has been compounded by continued criticism of FIFA's ticketing strategy, including complaints over dynamic pricing, soaring resale values and confusion surrounding seat allocations.
Adding to the frustration, FIFA recently cancelled tickets that had mistakenly been issued free of charge to around 60 supporters before demanding full payment.
FGG says: This is a revealing reflection of FIFA's biggest problem
The statistic itself is telling.
This isn't a case of fans not wanting to attend a World Cup, as demand for major international football has rarely been higher. Instead, the figure appears to reflect the growing gap between what supporters are willing or able to pay and what FIFA believes the market can sustain.
For months, fans have complained about ticket prices, accommodation costs, transport expenses and expensive stadium policies. Unsold seats across more than 80 per cent of the tournament suggest those concerns are having a real impact.
There is still time for many of those tickets to sell, particularly as prices drop closer to kick-off, but the fact that so many matches remain available this late in the process should serve as a warning.
For all the talk of record revenues, FIFA risks creating a World Cup that many ordinary supporters simply cannot afford to experience in person.
Meanwhile, for fans looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, exploring the latest odds and offers can make every match even more engaging. Check out the best betting site for the 2026 World Cup for a full guide to trusted bookmakers, promotions, and expert insights ahead of the action.