4 Reasons USMNT World Cup Ticket Sales Could Be Lagging

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, the buzz around the tournament is palpable. On March 13, 2025, former US national team star Cobi Jones was spotted juggling a ball on the newly laid test pitch at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California—a venue set to host the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on March 20, when the US faces Panama and Canada takes on Mexico. This pitch will eventually be the stage for World Cup matches, but a curious trend has emerged: ticket sales for the United States men’s national team’s group stage games in Los Angeles appear to be softer than expected.

While FIFA’s pricing strategy has been criticized by some as exploitative, global demand for most matches remains robust. However, a recent report from The Athletic suggests that the USMNT’s two group games in LA—against Paraguay and Turkey—are lagging behind. Estimates show a little over 2,000 tickets remain for the Paraguay fixture, which is being billed as a special occasion to mark the opening of the majority of the tournament on American soil. And that number may not account for tickets FIFA has yet to release on a rolling basis. So, why the sluggish sales? Here are four expert-backed reasons.

1. Overpriced Tickets in a Saturated Market

FIFA’s pricing model has been a lightning rod for criticism. For the 2026 World Cup, ticket prices range from modestly accessible to eye-watering, with premium packages for high-profile matches costing thousands of dollars. While fans in emerging markets or smaller nations might accept these costs for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the US market is different. American sports fans are accustomed to competitive pricing for live events, from NFL Sundays to MLS regular-season games.

The USMNT’s group stage matches in Los Angeles—specifically against Paraguay and Turkey—are not the marquee draws that, say, a Brazil vs. Germany clash would be. Yet, FIFA has priced them at a premium that feels out of sync with local expectations. For the Paraguay game, which is meant to celebrate the tournament’s American kickoff, the price-to-perceived-value ratio is off. Fans can attend high-quality international friendlies or Concacaf Nations League matches for a fraction of the cost. When you add in travel, lodging, and the infamous LA traffic, many casual supporters are balking.

Expert analysis: Sports economist Dr. Lisa Ramirez notes, “The USMNT doesn’t have the global brand equity of European giants. FIFA is pricing these games like they’re finals, but the product on the field—while exciting—isn’t guaranteed to be a spectacle. Fans are voting with their wallets.”

2. The “Home Team” Fatigue Factor

It sounds counterintuitive: the host nation’s games should be a guaranteed sellout. But the USMNT faces a unique challenge: overexposure. American soccer fans have seen this team play dozens of times in recent years, from Gold Cup matches to World Cup qualifiers in Cincinnati, Nashville, and Orlando. The novelty of watching the USMNT in a major tournament is diluted by the sheer volume of opportunities to see them live.

In Los Angeles, specifically, the market is saturated with entertainment options. The city hosts multiple MLS teams (LA Galaxy and LAFC), plus a constant stream of international clubs on summer tours. When the USMNT plays Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, it’s not a rare event—it’s one of many soccer games on the calendar. Compare this to a nation like Qatar in 2022, where every host nation match was a historic first. For American fans, especially in a city like LA, the emotional urgency to secure a ticket is diminished.

Prediction: Expect ticket sales to pick up closer to the match date, as FIFA releases additional inventory and prices drop on the secondary market. But don’t be surprised if sections of SoFi Stadium have visible gaps—a rare sight for a World Cup host nation.

3. Logistical Nightmares and the “SoFi Premium”

SoFi Stadium is a marvel of modern architecture, but it comes with logistical headaches. Located in Inglewood, the venue is notoriously difficult to access by public transit. Parking is expensive, and traffic around the stadium on game days is legendary for its gridlock. For a World Cup match that might kick off at 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. local time, fans face a multi-hour commitment just to get in and out.

Furthermore, the “SoFi Premium” extends to concessions and amenities. A beer that costs $12 at a local bar might be $18 inside the stadium. For families or groups of friends, the total cost of attending a single game—tickets, parking, food, and merchandise—can easily exceed $500 per person. When the opponent is Paraguay or Turkey, not a global powerhouse, many fans are asking: is it worth the hassle?

The Athletic’s report highlights that tickets for the Turkey game may also be slower than other fixtures. Turkey has a passionate diaspora in the US, but their fanbase is not large enough to fill a 70,000-seat stadium. Combine that with LA’s traffic anxiety and high ancillary costs, and you have a recipe for unsold seats.

Bullet points for context:

• SoFi Stadium capacity: 70,000+ for World Cup configuration.
• Estimated average parking cost: $60–$100 per vehicle.
• Public transit options: Limited, with no direct rail line to the stadium.
• Secondary market resale: Early data shows tickets for USMNT games are selling below face value on platforms like StubHub.

4. Competition from Other World Cup Matches in the Same Region

Los Angeles is not the only city hosting World Cup games in the western United States. Matches are also scheduled in San Francisco (Levi’s Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), and Vancouver (BC Place). For fans in the Pacific time zone, the geographic competition is fierce. Why drive two hours to SoFi when you can fly to Seattle for a match featuring a European giant?

Moreover, the USMNT’s group stage schedule may not align with peak vacation periods. The Paraguay game falls on a weekday in June, making it difficult for out-of-town fans to attend without taking time off work. Local fans, meanwhile, might prioritize other matches—like a knockout round game at SoFi featuring Argentina or England—over the USMNT’s group stage fixtures.

Expert analysis: “FIFA has created a tournament where every match is competing for the same disposable income,” says soccer marketing consultant Alex Torres. “The USMNT games are being cannibalized by bigger draws elsewhere. It’s not that fans don’t support the team—it’s that they have too many options.”

Prediction: FIFA may need to dynamically adjust pricing or bundle tickets with other matches to move inventory. If sales remain sluggish, expect a last-minute marketing blitz targeting corporate groups and youth soccer clubs.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for FIFA and US Soccer

The lagging ticket sales for the USMNT’s group games in Los Angeles are not a sign of waning interest in soccer—far from it. The 2026 World Cup is still on track to be a financial juggernaut. But these numbers are a canary in the coal mine for FIFA and US Soccer. They reveal a mismatch between pricing, fan expectations, and the realities of the American sports market.

As Cobi Jones juggled that ball on the SoFi pitch in March, he symbolized the hope and excitement of the tournament. But to fill those seats, organizers must listen to the market. Whether through price reductions, improved transportation options, or targeted promotions, the clock is ticking. The USMNT deserves a roaring home crowd—not a half-empty stadium. For now, the ball is in FIFA’s court.

Final thought: If ticket sales don’t rebound by late 2025, expect a flurry of last-minute deals. And for fans on the fence? Keep an eye on the secondary market. You might just snag a bargain for a historic moment in American soccer.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.