‘I don’t want to give my money to Fifa’: Toronto turns its back on the World Cup Despite initial excitement for the World Cup in Canada, hundreds of tickets remain unsold due to FIFA’s high pricing structure, leaving many fans, like Lawrence Yee, unwilling to purchase them. While FIFA claims demand is unprecedented and defends its pricing as aligning with industry trends, a sports economist suggests FIFA prioritizes revenue over filling seats. The high cost of hosting for Canadian cities, contrasted with FIFA’s tax-exempt revenue from ticket sales and broadcasting, adds to fan frustration.

• Hundreds of World Cup tickets in Canada remain unsold, contradicting earlier reports of high demand.
• FIFA’s new pricing structure is criticized as exorbitant, with the cheapest tickets for Canada’s opening game costing over C$1,000.
• Fans express disillusionment with FIFA’s pricing strategy, feeling it goes against the accessibility of football.
• Canadian cities face significant financial burdens for hosting, while FIFA profits tax-free.
• Despite ticket issues, some fans anticipate community-focused watch parties and local events.