Post by : Sameer Farouq

Following the revelation of the World Cup 2026 schedule by FIFA, resale ticket prices for matches in Toronto and Vancouver have seen a decline. The full schedule confirmed that only a select few significant games will occur in Canada. Despite this, organizers in Toronto express satisfaction with the match draw and are optimistic about a strong fan turnout.

More than two million tickets were sold during earlier sales, prior to fans knowing specific matchups. With FIFA grouping 42 out of the 48 participating teams and announcing match locations, fans have become aware of which teams will compete within Canadian venues.

Toronto and Vancouver are among the smallest of the 16 host venues and will not showcase numerous high-profile games. Toronto's BMO Field, which accommodates 44,315 spectators, is set to host matches featuring high-ranking teams like Germany and Croatia but misses out on larger teams such as England, France, and Norway, which are designated for larger stadiums in the U.S. In Vancouver, BC Place will welcome eighth-ranked Belgium as the top competitor.

Prices in the resale market shifted notably after FIFA's announcement. In Toronto, the resale price for the June 17 matchup between Ghana and Panama fell over 50%. By contrast, the pricing for Germany vs. Cote d'Ivoire on June 20 remained steady, with some premium seats experiencing slight increases. Listings for matches in Vancouver displayed relatively consistent pricing changes, around 10% variance.

Sharon Bollenbach, Toronto’s World Cup lead, noted that initial trading reactions may not accurately represent overall demand and anticipates that interest will amplify as fans adapt to the newly announced schedule. She expects resale prices to stabilize after the initial curiosity settles.

FIFA has temporarily suspended its resale platform pending the schedule release and plans to reactivate it on December 15. A fresh round of over four million tickets is expected to go on sale starting in January, with dynamic pricing influenced by supply and demand.

Organizers in Toronto highlight that the city will feature teams with strong local support, including Germany, Croatia, and potentially Italy, which might play against Canada on June 12, contingent on qualifying. They emphasize the closer atmosphere of BMO Field compared to the larger U.S. stadiums, anticipating it will enhance the overall fan experience.

#Canada News #FIFA World Cup #Sports news