Risk of Empty Seats for FIFA: 180,000 World Cup 2026 Tickets Still on Resale

FIFA is confronting a potential challenge of empty stadiums at the 2026 World Cup, with a significant number of tickets still available on the official resale market. Financial Times reports that around 180,000 tickets are currently listed on FIFA's resale platform, raising concerns about attendance figures for matches. This situation poses a problem not only for the organizers but also for individuals who purchased tickets with the intention of reselling them. The resale market has seen a notable decline in value, with prices dropping by approximately 20%. This price reduction directly affects those looking to recoup their investment, especially as they are also subject to transaction commissions. A large portion of these available tickets, specifically 176,000, are for group stage matches, intensifying the issue. The prospect of unsold seats, particularly in prominent venues, could create a negative visual impression and impact the overall event atmosphere. Cooperativa reported on this developing situation.