Doubts about the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s success have always been present, compounded by concerns about ticket prices and accessibility for fans. USMNT legend Alexi Lalas, however, remains optimistic, arguing the tournament will be a resounding success.
In his latest episode of the ‘State of the Union’ podcast released on October 9th, Lalas rejected the skepticism surrounding the event. “I think that next summer, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be an incredible and historic success in the same way that 1994 was and the same way that 1994 is looked at for what it did on the field and what it did off the field – numbers, revenue, all that stuff.”
He continued, “I think in the moment, and I certainly think as we get further and further away from it, it will be looked at as a seminal moment, not just for American soccer, but for World Cups.”
The tournament is the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams. As Lalas noted, “More teams, more stories, more interests, I think something for everybody.” He highlighted several factors contributing to the event’s success, including the US hosting the competition and the nation’s significant soccer fanbase. “Even if nobody decided to come here for the World Cup, the U.S. has a built-in population and a soccer audience that could fill all of the stadiums,” he stated, emphasizing the country’s diverse ethnic communities and their passion for the sport. “And you look at the different ethnic communities that we have and the history that we have. I mean, who wasn’t together this summer watching the Turkey game or the U.S. versus South Korea game? The list goes on and on and on. That is built in.”
Lalas acknowledged the growing soccer culture in the US, fueled by the curiosity sparked by the 1994 World Cup. “In fact, he mentioned the curiosity about the sport that was seen in the USA in 1994 has grown to create ‘a soccer culture that much better understands and appreciates what is coming the next summer.’ And it is also a way for the people of the nation to unite under the Star-Spangled Banner.”
He believes FIFA’s vested interest in a successful tournament – driven by revenue goals – will further contribute to its success, alongside the involvement of government, businesses, and media. The 250th birthday of the United States adds another layer of celebration, aligning with the World Cup’s timing.
However, Lalas’s optimism doesn’t address the significant outcry surrounding ticket prices. While he points to the US’s large potential fanbase, the exorbitant prices – with a cheapest final ticket costing $2,030 – are creating an exclusionary environment. “$2,000 dollars for the cheapest final ticket is unacceptable,” exclaimed Thomas Concannon from the England Fans’ Embassy. Ticket prices ranged from $60 for group stage games to upwards of $2,735 for the USMNT’s opening match, creating a dynamic pricing strategy that has driven prices into the tens of thousands for resale. The sheer number of fans participating in the Visa Presale Draw (4.5 million) exacerbated the issue, despite only a million tickets being offered, fueling spiraling prices.
Journalists and former players alike are critical of FIFA’s “cash-grab” strategy, arguing that the high ticket prices are deterring genuine fans and threatening the growth of soccer in the US. The combination of high demand and unrestricted resale has resulted in final tickets being sold for $38,000, reinforcing the perception of the 2026 World Cup as a sporting event primarily accessible to the wealthy.