The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams and a record 104 matches. Despite months of promotion and global anticipation, the opening days are being overshadowed by signs of unusually low pre-tournament excitement among fans.
Organizers had billed the competition as the biggest World Cup in history, with matches spread across 16 host cities and showcasing top football talents, including French star Kylian Mbappé. FIFA officials previously reported more than 500 million early ticket requests, suggesting strong initial demand. However, recent developments point to a more subdued reality.
Ticket resale platforms have seen nearly 180,000 seats listed, with some prices dropping by as much as 20 percent below face value. Industry analysts say this could signal weaker-than-expected attendance, particularly during the group stages. Concerns are growing that some early matches may not draw full stadiums, an unusual scenario for football’s biggest global event.
Several factors appear to be contributing to the muted buzz. Fans and observers cite rising travel and accommodation costs, with some matchday experiences reportedly exceeding $700 per person. Visa challenges for international supporters, particularly those traveling to the United States, have also been flagged as a barrier.
In addition, critics argue that the expanded format may have diluted the tournament’s competitive intensity. With more teams and a longer schedule, some fans worry that early matches may lack the high-stakes drama typically associated with the World Cup. Others point to player fatigue, as top footballers arrive after long and demanding club seasons in Europe and beyond.
“There’s excitement, but it feels different this time,” said a sports marketing analyst based in London. “The scale is bigger, but that doesn’t always translate to energy on the ground, especially in the early stages.”
Still, not everyone is convinced the slow start will define the tournament. Historically, World Cups have often built momentum as the knockout rounds approach, drawing in global audiences with dramatic storylines and standout performances.
FIFA remains optimistic, emphasizing the long-term vision behind the expanded format. “This is about growing the game globally,” a spokesperson said. “We expect fan engagement to rise significantly as the tournament progresses.”
As the opening match kicks off Thursday afternoon, attention will quickly shift from pre-tournament speculation to on-field action. Whether early concerns about attendance and fan engagement persist, or fade in the face of football drama, will become clearer in the days ahead.
World Cup starts tomorrow! 🏆
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia) June 10, 2026