If you’re a soccer fan who’s been dreaming of watching a World Cup match live but couldn’t afford the sky-high ticket prices, here’s some unexpected good news – and it all comes down to two shocking losses.
According to CNN, the United States and Mexico both got knocked out of the tournament earlier than anyone expected. And while that’s heartbreaking for millions of their supporters, it’s turning into a goldmine for neutral fans who are looking for a bargain on seats.
Here’s the simple math that CNN explains: ticket prices are all about supply and demand. When the U.S. and Mexico were still in the running, millions of their fans were ready to pay almost anything to watch their teams play.
That drove prices through the roof—we’re talking nearly $4,000 for the cheapest tickets in some cases. But the moment both teams lost on back-to-back days, those same fans canceled their plans and started selling their tickets in droves. Suddenly, the market was flooded with seats, and demand plummeted. The result? Prices crashed like a rock.
CNN spoke with Brett Goldberg, the co-CEO of TickPick, a major ticket resale website, who explained it perfectly: quarterfinal tickets were priced with the expectation that both Mexico and the U.S. would advance. When they didn’t, the drop in demand was immediate and huge. For example, CNN reports that tickets for Friday’s Spain vs.
Belgium matches have plunged a whopping 65%—from around $3,200 down to just $1,100. And for Saturday’s showdown in Miami, Mexico’s loss sent prices down 45%, from nearly $4,000 to about $2,000. That’s real money back in your pocket if you act fast.
But here’s the unique perspective that CNN also highlights: while fans are celebrating cheap tickets, businesses that rely on World Cup crowds are feeling the pain. Take Tom’s Watch Bar, a sports bar chain with 18 locations across the U.S.
The co-founder told CNN that days featuring Mexico and the U.S. were massive money-makers for them—Mexican fans in particular spent more time and more money, and as he put it, “price was no object.” Now that both teams are out, he expects business on World Cup days to drop by a whopping 50%. That’s a huge hit for a chain that was banking on the home teams going far.
However, it’s not all bad news for everyone. CNN also reports that beer sales are still booming. According to the Beer Institute, beer sales at bars and restaurants jumped 6.4% over the past four weeks—and in host cities, they spiked 14% compared to last year.
In Massachusetts, where Scottish fans reportedly drank Boston dry, sales grew by 23%. As one expert told CNN, this tournament is bigger than any one team – fans will keep gathering, keep cheering, and keep sharing a beer no matter who’s playing.
So here’s the bottom line from CNN’s reporting: if you’re a neutral fan looking for a deal, now is your moment. Ticket prices have never been more affordable for this stage of the tournament. But if you own a bar or restaurant that was counting on American or Mexican fans to fill your seats, you might be looking at some empty tables.
Either way, the World Cup goes on—and whether you’re watching from the stands or from your local pub, there’s still plenty of excitement to go around. Just remember: act quickly on those tickets, because prices could bounce back as the finals get closer.
Credit: CNN