Resale Ticket Prices Drop as Canada Hosts Fewer World Cup Matches

After FIFA unveiled the complete schedule for the 2026 World Cup, resale ticket prices for matches in Toronto and Vancouver decreased. The announcement made clear that Canada would host only a few high-profile games. Despite this, Toronto organizers remain optimistic about fan attendance.

Previously, over two million tickets had been sold when fans were unaware of specific matchups. With the grouping of 42 out of 48 teams now public, fans have clarity regarding the teams set to compete in Canadian venues.

Among the tournament's 16 host locations, Toronto and Vancouver are the smallest and lacked several key matches. Toronto’s BMO Field, featuring a capacity of 44,315, will present matches including Germany and Croatia, yet bigger teams from the Eastern Region—like England and France—will be playing in larger stadiums across the U.S. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s BC Place, accommodating 48,821 spectators, will showcase the eighth-ranked Belgium as the top contender.

In the aftermath of the FIFA announcement, resale ticket prices saw rapid changes. For instance, StubHub listings for the June 17 matchup between Ghana and Panama in Toronto plummeted over 50%. Conversely, the Germany vs. Cote d'Ivoire game on June 20 maintained relatively stable prices with some premium seats experiencing a slight increase. Vancouver pricing remained mostly steady, fluctuating around 10%.

Sharon Bollenbach, Toronto’s World Cup lead, noted that initial resale trends don't signify true demand, predicting renewed interest as fans take in the schedule. She expects ticket prices to stabilize following the initial reaction period.

FIFA has paused its resale platform ahead of the schedule release and plans to restart it on December 15. A significant wave of more than four million tickets will be available starting January, with prices influenced by supply and demand.

Toronto representatives emphasize that the city will feature teams with substantial fan bases, including Germany and Croatia, as well as Italy, which could face Canada on June 12 contingent on its qualification. They also highlight the more intimate setting of BMO Field compared to the expansive stadiums in the U.S., arguing that this will enhance the fan experience.