World Cup LIVE: Ticket price controversy leaves thousands of seats empty ahead of Canada vs Bosnia clash

Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina will kick off World Cup Group B matches today at Toronto Stadium, but the event is overshadowed by a ticket price controversy. FIFA’s variable pricing system, introduced for the first time, drove up costs by an average of 34%, with the cheapest standard tickets priced at $5,785. Despite a recent price reduction, 180,000 tickets remain unsold across official resale platforms, including 15,000 group-stage tickets still available directly through FIFA’s site. The lack of attendance has become a visible issue, with Mexico’s opening match against Saudi Arabia showing large patches of empty seats despite the stadium’s capacity. FIFA reported an official attendance of 44,985 for South Korea vs. Czechia in Guadalajara, though visuals suggested far fewer fans were present. A FIFA spokesperson declined to clarify whether the figures reflected tickets sold or actual attendees. Protests outside Mexico’s opening match escalated into clashes between police and demonstrators, who criticized authorities for prioritizing the World Cup over pressing social issues. Over 1,000 family members of Mexico’s missing persons marched near the stadium, holding candles and photographs of loved ones, while the match continued inside. Canada, hosting its first World Cup matches, will also face scrutiny over attendance and security. A Bosnian fan traveling to Toronto spent $12,000 on two tickets, highlighting the financial barriers for many supporters. Meanwhile, FIFA’s handling of ticketing and public relations remains under scrutiny as the tournament progresses.