FIFA World Cup 2026

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by cholodolo

No improvement -- cheapest ticket to a West Coast game on FIFA's exchange is around $1,900 for Qatar-Switzerland in San Fran.

Some USA tickets for 3rd match are CAT 4 for $1,165

Might take a while...or I'll just be watching at home. For anyone reading this, SoFi Stadium is the worst logistical nightmare I've seen for home teams like the Chargers and Rams. FIFA being the venue organizer responsible for staffing is terrifying.

Patience....patience....patience.....

Prices will come down once seat locations start becoming known....and that won't likely be until April/May.

And as anybody knows.....the best deals don't start popping up until a few days before an event......I guarantee you that you'll be able to find Qatar-Switzerland tickets for under $100 on the FIFA exchange the day before the match.

[cholodolo]

Originally Posted by mfw13

Patience....patience....patience.....

Prices will come down once seat locations start becoming known....and that won't likely be until April/May.

And as anybody knows.....the best deals don't start popping up until a few days before an event......I guarantee you that you'll be able to find Qatar-Switzerland tickets for under $100 on the FIFA exchange the day before the match.

Maybe, but with FIFA taking a cut on each end of the transaction doubt there will be that many cheap seats (or hopefully, plenty). Not to mention, no idea how archaic the FIFA exchange is in terms of getting tickets etc. I'd feel more comfortable using TicketBastard or StubHub because at least their process is tight and verifiable.

Really want to the try to see the Swiss - UEFA Qualifier match in LA but those prices will likely stay high with hopes Italy come through until at least end of March.

Some friends and family are having nightmares trying to see Scotland in Boston.

[Bosoxfan5990]

Originally Posted by cholodolo

Maybe, but with FIFA taking a cut on each end of the transaction doubt there will be that many cheap seats (or hopefully, plenty). Not to mention, no idea how archaic the FIFA exchange is in terms of getting tickets etc. I'd feel more comfortable using TicketBastard or StubHub because at least their process is tight and verifiable.

Really want to the try to see the Swiss - UEFA Qualifier match in LA but those prices will likely stay high with hopes Italy come through until at least end of March.

Some friends and family are having nightmares trying to see Scotland in Boston.

Travel around the area is going to be worse than trying to get tickets.

[JWBlue]

Major European powerhouses threatening boycott of World Cup over Greenland.

I have little doubt that it is very possible.

[cholodolo]

Originally Posted by JWBlue

Major European powerhouses threatening boycott of World Cup over Greenland.

I have little doubt that it is very possible.

Nobody credible has said anything of the sort.

France confirmed they have never discussed it.

[YayNJ]

Originally Posted by cholodolo

Nobody credible has said anything of the sort.

France confirmed they have never discussed it.

Ermm.. how about the VP of German Football.

A German Football Association (DFB) official has said it is time to consider a boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the wake of United States President Donald Trump's actions.

"I really wonder when the time will be to think and talk about this [a boycott] concretely," Oke Gottlich, a DFB vice-president, told the Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper.

"For me, that time has definitely come."

Gottlich added: "Qatar was too political for everyone and now we're completely apolitical? That's something that really, really, really bothers me.

"As organisations and society, we're forgetting how to set taboos and boundaries, and how to defend values.

"Taboos are an essential part of our stance. Is a taboo crossed when someone threatens? Is a taboo crossed when someone attacks? When people die?

[cholodolo]

Originally Posted by YayNJ

Ermm.. how about the VP of German Football.

A German Football Association (DFB) official has said it is time to consider a boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the wake of United States President Donald Trump's actions.

"I really wonder when the time will be to think and talk about this [a boycott] concretely," Oke Gottlich, a DFB vice-president, told the Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper.

"For me, that time has definitely come."

Gottlich added: "Qatar was too political for everyone and now we're completely apolitical? That's something that really, really, really bothers me.

"As organisations and society, we're forgetting how to set taboos and boundaries, and how to defend values.

"Taboos are an essential part of our stance. Is a taboo crossed when someone threatens? Is a taboo crossed when someone attacks? When people die?

Well, yes, he did say that today -- which wasn't a few days ago as JWBlue stated. Which other "European powerhouses" have said something similar?

He's the St. Pauli President, too -- one of the most leftwing and political clubs on the planet. Guy was a music producer and journalist prior to becoming President of the then 2nd Division club. He's also not the VP of the DFB -- he's 2nd Vice President of the DFL e.V. (General Assembly). Doubt he has any juice to force Germany to miss the World Cup. More a political activist than serious football mind.

This is what France said:

France sports minister Marina Ferrari revealed the 2018 FIFA World Cup champions have “no desire” to boycott this summer’s tournament despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats.

[mfw13]

At this point in time, I would be telling everyone to stay away from the USA simply because it's not safe as long as ICE is allowed to rampage unchecked.

As the two Minneapolis murders have shown, it's not even safe in the USA for white US citizens right now, let alone foreigners on visas.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by mfw13

At this point in time, I would be telling everyone to stay away from the USA simply because it's not safe as long as ICE is allowed to rampage unchecked.

As the two Minneapolis murders have shown, it's not even safe in the USA for white US citizens right now, let alone foreigners on visas.

[YayNJ]

Originally Posted by Boo

Grow up.

[anusinha]

Originally Posted by YayNJ

Grow up.

[yiguiri2002]

Originally Posted by mfw13

At this point in time, I would be telling everyone to stay away from the USA simply because it's not safe as long as ICE is allowed to rampage unchecked.

As the two Minneapolis murders have shown, it's not even safe in the USA for white US citizens right now, let alone foreigners on visas.

No offense man but I don't think this helps either.

[netmasters]

They came out today and said they will be doing an ICE crackdown at the Super Bowl because the administration hates Bad Bunny so much. I wouldn't blame any non-white foreigner (sad but true) from going to the World Cup because at this point even if you are valid ICE can still make your life miserable for a while. It's a disgrace.

[YayNJ]

[Ianhatcher]

Originally Posted by netmasters

They came out today and said they will be doing an ICE crackdown at the Super Bowl because the administration hates Bad Bunny so much. I wouldn't blame any non-white foreigner (sad but true) from going to the World Cup because at this point even if you are valid ICE can still make your life miserable for a while. It's a disgrace.

That's not what they said and what you are referring too is a quote from October 2025 that the media is trying to claim was said recently to push a lie and scare people.

One of ICE's main functions as part of HSI is combating counterfeit items.

They are always present at big sporting events like the SB to assist with enforcement of counterfeit tickets or other merchandise and have done that for years. This is nothing new.

[thenwhatjk]

I think I’m working the Houston and Kansas City games, and I’m for sure working the championship in NY/NJ. Super pumped, can’t wait

[brewtown107]

Originally Posted by mfw13

At this point in time, I would be telling everyone to stay away from the USA simply because it's not safe as long as ICE is allowed to rampage unchecked.

As the two Minneapolis murders have shown, it's not even safe in the USA for white US citizens right now, let alone foreigners on visas.

I literally live in Minneapolis, and this is fearmongering B.S. Touch some grass, buddy.

[cholodolo]

Originally Posted by brewtown107

I literally live in Minneapolis, and this is fearmongering B.S. Touch some grass, buddy.

Imagine distilling a continent of 300+ million into a few square blocks of a major city, and declaring it a "no-go" zone.

Myopic at best.

[boxbuster7]

Originally Posted by YayNJ

That guy does not look well

[PostBaloney]

I’m more excited about Norway vs France than any other matchup in WC

Haaland about to show out

[premium1981]

Question for the soccer nuts here. I don't know a ton about the game, but my family loves experiences. How lost would I be going a random cup game if I don't know enough about the sport? I've heard the atmosphere is unmatched and was wondering if that alone would keep me from feeling like a lost puppy dog in the stands?

[Crosby 87]

Originally Posted by premium1981

Question for the soccer nuts here. I don't know a ton about the game, but my family loves experiences. How lost would I be going a random cup game if I don't know enough about the sport? I've heard the atmosphere is unmatched and was wondering if that alone would keep me from feeling like a lost puppy dog in the stands?

There's enough time to still pick up the basics. Currently the Premier League would be the easiest league to watch on NBC/ USA . MLS (biggest/most popular American league) will start later on this month .

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by premium1981

Question for the soccer nuts here. I don't know a ton about the game, but my family loves experiences. How lost would I be going a random cup game if I don't know enough about the sport? I've heard the atmosphere is unmatched and was wondering if that alone would keep me from feeling like a lost puppy dog in the stands?

While officiating decisions can be baffling, the concept of the game itself is fairly simple. Understand the offside rule, and you can figure out what's going on 90% of the time.

Watch some matches on TV and go to a couple of Charlotte FC matches (if you live in that part of NC).

But also be aware that WC 2026 tickets are seriously overpriced....you're going to pay an arm and a leg for that "experience", especially if you're taking your entire family.

And the atmosphere you are seeking is going to vary significantly depending on the matchup. You have a lot of non-traditional countries with smaller fan bases that have qualified this year, and a lot of fans are staying away for political reasons and/or the difficulty/cost of getting visas.

[premium1981]

Originally Posted by Crosby 87

There's enough time to still pick up the basics. Currently the Premier League would be the easiest league to watch on NBC/ USA . MLS (biggest/most popular American league) will start later on this month .

I've tried watching a little on tv when nothing else is on, but I'm always left scratching my head. But to be honest, I haven't actually looked up any of the rules and positions so I guess if I put in more effort that would probably help.

Originally Posted by mfw13

While officiating decisions can be baffling, the concept of the game itself is fairly simple. Understand the offside rule, and you can figure out what's going on 90% of the time.

Watch some matches on TV and go to a couple of Charlotte FC matches (if you live in that part of NC).

But also be aware that WC 2026 tickets are seriously overpriced....you're going to pay an arm and a leg for that "experience", especially if you're taking your entire family.

And the atmosphere you are seeking is going to vary significantly depending on the matchup. You have a lot of non-traditional countries with smaller fan bases that have qualified this year, and a lot of fans are staying away for political reasons and/or the difficulty/cost of getting visas.

I'll be honest, the bolded is probably what peaked my interest a few years ago that has led to me considering going to one this summer. In 2018 we did a cruise into the Baltic Sea that overnighted in St Petersburg Russia. We spent the first day there, and the second day we went to Moscow. Obviously this was all pre-war stuff. I can't remember which city it was in but we passed a city square that was preparing for a World Cup game. I don't know what the teams were, but I have never in my life seen an area more alive in my life. You could barely hear your own thoughts it was so loud and energetic. So when they said 2026 would be here, my wife and I had a casual conversation about how wild that would be if we went (thinking that would be the atmosphere).

Maybe that was isolated due to the fanbase where we happened to be at the time. I need to go back through my pictures and pull out some snapshots. Yall would probably be able to identify who it was playing.

[mfw13]

Biggest question for you to consider is budget.....closest stadiums to you are probably DC and Atlanta, and they'll have some decent matchups which should have good atmospheres.

Morocco-Haiti in Atlanta should have good atmosphere, since there are a lot of Haitians in the US.

Netherlands-Japan in DC will be terrific, as both countries have large groups of fans that travel to international tournaments.

The Japan-UEFA B match in DC should also be pretty good.

And if you're willing to travel up to Boston, the Haiti-Scotland match should be great atmosphere-wise.