FIFA leaves questions unanswered on World Cup tickets, security

NEW YORK:

A year from the largest World Cup ever, there has been no announcement on general ticket sales, prices for most seats, location of a draw or security arrangements, as FIFA has mostly avoided disclosing details of an event set for 16 stadiums across the United States (US), Mexico and Canada.

There is uncertainty about whether fans from some nations will be welcome -- 11 of the venues are located in the US, where all matches will be played from the quarter-finals on.

Security is a concern, too. At the last major soccer tournament in the US, the 2024 Copa America final at Miami Gardens, Florida, started 82 minutes late after spectators breached security gates.

"That was certainly a reminder and a wake-up call, if anybody needed it, that those types of things are going to be used in terms of the ultimate assessment of whether this World Cup is successful," said former US defender Alexi Lalas, now Fox's lead soccer analyst.

US President Donald Trump's travel ban on citizens from 12 nations exempted athletes, coaches, staff and relatives, while not mentioning fans. Vice-President JD Vance made what could be interpreted as a warning on May 6.

"Of course everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event. I know we'll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries. We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game," he said. "But when the time is up they'll have to go home. Otherwise, they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem," he added, speaking alongside Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

The 1994 World Cup, a 24-nation tournament, drew a record 3.58 million fans for 52 matches. Ticket prices ranged from $25-$75 for most first-round games and $180-$475 for the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

FIFA, which has about 800 people working at an office in Coral Gables, Florida, says it will announce information on general tickets in the third quarter. It wouldn't say whether prices will be fixed or variable.

Hospitality packages are available on FIFA's website through On Location. For the eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including the final on July 19, prices range from $25,800 to $73,200 per person.

FIFA's media relations staff would not make FIFA President Gianni Infantino available to discuss the tournament.