Why is the World Cup such a rip-off?

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Ekim-Walare and guests discuss the impending costs of attending the upcoming World Cup in the United States, with less than 60 days until kickoff. They start by noting the high ticket prices, which are set to be the most expensive in World Cup history, with some tickets reaching over $8,000. There is a distinct lack of enthusiasm around the event in the US, as conversations are more focused on ticket prices than on soccer itself.

The hosts explore why there isn't more promotion or excitement for the World Cup in major cities like New York, attributing it to cultural differences in sports engagement in the US. Furthermore, they dive into the business practices of FIFA and UEFA, contrasting their approaches to ticket pricing and fan accessibility. UEFA's decision to cap ticket prices is highlighted as a notable difference from FIFA's approach to the World Cup.

The podcast also addresses major financial questions surrounding the World Cup's projected $11 billion revenue and the historical inadequacies in profit distribution for past tournaments. Local businesses and transportation entities around host cities are expected to capitalize on visiting fans, further driving up costs.

There's an emphasis on ticket prices affecting attendance, particularly from fans in lower-income countries, suggesting the World Cup will cater mostly to wealthier individuals and expats living in the US. Discussions also touch upon logistical challenges associated with travel and public transport across the USA, emphasizing that this World Cup is poised to be the most expensive in history for attendees.

In a broader sense, the episode underscores the need for FIFA to be mindful of fan engagement and accessibility in the US context, questioning whether they are fostering an environment conducive to growing soccer fandom in a country where it still competes with other major sports.