Lawrence Yee, grew up in Canada and fell in love with football from childhood. Nearly four years ago, when FIFA announced Toronto and Vancouver would share 14 other cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico in charge of the World Cup, he was thrilled.
"When I heard that the world's largest football event was going to Toronto, I couldn't believe it," he said. "It's a rare occasion in life, living in the city of chairing and cycling to the field of competition, I think I'll be the first one to line up for tickets".
But when you recruit Canada to meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening of June 12, Yee won't be on the stage. He also did not attend any other round game. His initial excitement, as well as that of hundreds of thousands of others in Canada, had stumbled over FIFA's new ticket price, causing prices to be pushed to an absurd level, even thought to be "necked".
The grasscare staff at the SVR held World Cup in Toronto, Canada, June 4. Image: AP
All 10 games in Vancouver and Toronto still have hundreds of unsold tickets. This reality is the opposite of FIFA's earlier information about the need for entry into the "great video". Even hotels in these two cities have recently reached about 80% capacity, the most common level in the summer months.
In April, FIFA Chairman GE Infantino said at the Vancouver event that they had received 500 million tickets, 10 times the total demand of the two closest World Cups. "We sold 100% of the ticket to market, which is about 90% of the total worldwide ticket to date," he said.
Although the demand for tickets was great, the high price of tickets was disappointing to many Canadian fans. The cheapest ticket for the home team's opening game was over 1,000 CAD (about 720).
The Canadian flag at Grouse Mountain above Vancouver City. Image: Reuters
According to Moshe Lander, the sports economist at Concordia University, the goal of making the most money is not the same as the sale of tickets. With the current rating, FIFA can profit more from keeping the ticket prices high, although some seats remain vacant.
"FIFA controls the World Cup. They have no opponents, so they can behave the way they want, unless the true fans turn their backs", Mr. Lander said.
Responding to the request for comments, FIFA spokesman said no World Cup period has ever sold several tickets directly to fans like this one. The person said that FIFA had distributed at least 1,000 tickets for at least 60 dollars, which was described as "very competitive" for a global athletic event.
Ontario used to try to restrict the ticket head by law banning tickets to the Toronto World Cup games higher than the cost. FIFA then had to re-subscript the official ticket to the Toronto games, making sure the ticket was not sold back to higher prices than the original Ontario law.
Even so, Yee said that his search for pass tickets, registered gates, numerous open and access codes made him tired. The further he went, the further he saw the opportunity to enter the courtyard.
"I gave up. Now I don't want to pay FIFA anymore," Yee said. "They have control over ticket prices, but this way of doing it goes against the spirit of football, capital sports for everyone. Tickets are supposed to be more accessible, especially to the people living in the state of state-of-chief cities".
World Cup Advertising 2026 outside the Toronto League, Canada, June 4. Image: AFP
Many senators and officials who once supported bringing the World Cup to Canada have also begun asking questions about large reservation costs, while FIFA collected ticket sales and television copyrights without paying taxes. The people raised money for the tournament, but many could not come to the courtyard.
Admission costs increased significantly over the initial plan. Toronto once estimated to need a maximum of $32,4 million, but now the number is at least $27.6 million. In Vancouver, the calculations for seven matches increased from $12,8 million to at least $449,2 million.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, Canada will spend over 720 million dollars to organize the World Cup, which is equivalent to about 59 million dollars per game. Several other Canadian cities have withdrawn from the effort to re-enlist after witnessing initial expenses and strict requests from FIFA.
Even so, Yee is still eager as the teams and fans will flow to the city. "To those who enter the courtyard, it will surely be a memorable experience. I hope they enjoy it fully," you said. "As for me, when I don't have to worry about tickets, I want to meet my friends. Maybe I'll invite you to my house, or I'll take a joint view in the neighborhood. What makes me love football as a child is the sense of community, and I hope to be able to live again."