The United States kicked off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign at home with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Cape Verde then produced one of the stories of the tournament by holding Spain to a goalless draw, thanks largely to the heroics of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha.
Across the opening week, there have already been plenty of memorable moments on the pitch. However, FIFA and the USA have also been criticized for the expensive ticket prices.
So, what’s the verdict on the World Cup so far?
UK Reporter Takes Dig At FIFA, USA, But Praises Soccer at World Cup
Jessy Parker Humphreys, a UK-based sports reporter for The Observer who has also written for The Athletic, shared their strong verdict on the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far in a viral post on their X account.
“Despite FIFA and the USA’s best efforts, this is just simply the greatest sport in the world,” Humphreys wrote.
Despite FIFA and the USA’s best efforts, this is just simply the greatest sport in the world
— JPH (@jessyjph) June 15, 2026
The post came after a dramatic opening week of World Cup action as tournament favorites Spain were stunned by debutants Cape Verde, who secured a historic goalless draw after seven saves and a Man of the Match performance from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha.
It’s one of the stories that have defined the World Cup so far. Vozinha’s heroics against a star-studded Spanish attack featuring Pedri and Lamine Yamal also made him an overnight social media sensation, with his Instagram following jumping from around 50,000 to more than 5 million at the time of writing.
While Humphreys did not elaborate on their comments, criticism of FIFA and the tournament’s organization in the USA was a major talking point even before the kickoff.
Ticket prices have been the most controversial. FIFA’s ticketing model has made attending matches increasingly expensive for visiting supporters.
A Business Insider report estimated that if an Argentina fan were to fly from Buenos Aires to Dallas to watch a group stage match against Jordan, they would spend approximately $3,361. That figure includes around $805 for a match ticket, $1,718 for flights with a layover in Atlanta, and roughly $829 for a stay at a downtown three-star hotel.
If Argentina were to reach the World Cup final, that supporter could be estimated to spend as much as $31,250 across the tournament.
Compared to the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the price difference is striking. The cheapest group stage tickets in Qatar started at roughly $10, while tickets for the final ranged from $190 to $1,500, depending on category.
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By contrast, organizers projected that World Cup 2026 final tickets would cost no more than $1,550 when the United States, Canada, and Mexico submitted their successful bid.
By April 2026, the standard ticket prices for the final had reportedly climbed to approximately $5,785, while premium seats and hospitality packages were listed for well over $10,000 on FIFA’s resale platform.
It’s a broader talking point about the American sports model for major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB becoming less accessible to ordinary fans. That issue has spilled onto international fans during the FIFA World Cup.
