The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, began on June 8 with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match [1, 2, 3]. The tournament features an expanded format of 48 teams playing 104 games, with over 5 million fans expected to attend [4].
Canada hosted its first-ever World Cup match on June 9, drawing 0-0 against Bosnia and Herzegovina [5, 6, 7]. Fans gathered at Niagara Falls to watch games on big screens, enjoying the natural backdrop while supporting Canada and the U.S. teams [5]. In Toronto, a large immigrant fan base backed visiting teams, and some fans preferred Canada's atmosphere and legal drinking age over the U.S. for hosting matches. Scottish fan Bryden said, "We are here in Toronto because of cheap flights, and we cannot drink in America because we are 20-year-olds" [6].
Ticket prices have soared for the 2026 World Cup. Resale prices for group stage tickets average $636, about triple the prices seen at the 2022 Qatar tournament. FIFA's dynamic pricing led to a 34% increase from October 2025 to April 2026 [4]. Rising jet fuel costs, up 70% due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, have driven travel and overall fan expenses higher, even affecting basic costs like water [4].
Despite steep prices, fans have traveled to Vancouver and Toronto for matches. German fan Harold said, "I paid $150. That’s a lot for a football match, but I got lucky to get tickets at this price" [1]. Australian Mark Wright, attending his fifth World Cup, said, "It wasn’t about the cost. It’s about following my team and spending time with my family. The World Cup is a lifetime memory" [2].
Some tickets remained unsold in Toronto for the Canada-Bosnia match, and a fan festival in Mexico City was canceled due to storm warnings [6, 7]. Patrick Cicvak, a Canadian fan, noted less hostility in Toronto crowds, saying, "We won't have the Italian crowd fighting against the opposite team and more support for Canada" [7].
The tournament continues with Germany scheduled to face Ivory Coast in Toronto on June 20, as preparations press on across host cities [6, 7].
