[Graphic News] World Cup by the numbers
![[Graphic News] World Cup by the numbers](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/10/news-p.v1.20260610.664a02c722dd488ab4974ddc0eabb358_T1.gif)
AI Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins June 11 amid substantial fan enthusiasm, particularly among soccer supporters in the US market. The tournament is simultaneously overshadowed by significant controversy over FIFA's record-high ticket prices and unsold inventory; critics argue the resale marketplace—which collects 30% of proceeds—was designed to extract maximum revenue from fans, contributing to approximately 170,000–180,000 tickets remaining unsold immediately before opening.
Progressive: Progressive-leaning outlets emphasize fan enthusiasm and increased interest in soccer related to the US hosting the World Cup.
Conservative: Conservative-leaning outlets emphasize concerns about FIFA's aggressive profit-seeking strategy and the risks of empty stadiums due to record-high ticket prices.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams, 104 games and three host nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA expanded the tournament from 32 teams, adding more group-stage matches and a new round of 32 in the knockout stage.
The United States will host 78 of the games, including all quarterfinals, semifinals and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Mexico and Canada will each stage 13 games, with Mexico hosting the opening match on June 11 in Mexico C ...