Soccer Fans Struggle to Secure FIFA World Cup Tickets in Toronto

Soccer enthusiasts eager to witness the FIFA World Cup matches at Toronto’s BMO Field in June 2026 are encountering significant challenges in securing tickets, despite being selected in the official lottery. Fans like John Ouellette, who has coached youth soccer for years, have expressed frustration over the ticket acquisition process, which has proved to be more difficult than anticipated.

Ouellette, an Ottawa resident, participated in several lottery draws organized by FIFA for ticket sales. He initially missed out in the first lottery for Visa card holders but later received a chance through FIFA’s Early Ticket Draw, available exclusively to residents of the host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This draw opened on November 12, 2023, for a limited 72-hour window, and those fortunate enough to be selected were notified at least 48 hours in advance.

Frustration Amid High Demand

Upon receiving his confirmation on a Friday, Ouellette logged onto the ticket portal just before his designated time slot on Monday at 11 a.m. However, he quickly became disheartened. “I was pretty excited,” he said, but after waiting for approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, he found no tickets available for the six matches scheduled in Toronto. “Nothing at all,” Ouellette lamented, noting only a few expensive tickets were listed for games in Vancouver and the United States. Travel to the U.S. was not an option for him and his wife due to the current political climate.

The demand for tickets has been overwhelming, as evidenced by Ouellette’s experience, which is echoed by numerous fans who reported spending hours in online queues without success. Conversely, Malcolm Webster, a local resident, managed to secure tickets through three presales, acquiring four tickets for a Boston match at approximately $450 each, along with two Toronto matches priced at $250 and $80.

Understanding FIFA’s Ticketing System

The ticketing process for the World Cup involves multiple phases, with FIFA making tickets available in batches. For the Early Ticket Draw, a total of one million tickets are up for grabs, allowing fans to purchase up to 40 tickets spread across ten matches. A subsequent draw will commence on December 5, 2023, after team matchups are finalized. By then, 42 teams are expected to qualify, with the remaining six teams competing in playoffs in March 2026.

Marketing expert Vijay Setlur from York University noted that FIFA’s ticketing system aims to manage the high volume of fans trying to purchase tickets simultaneously. This system has evolved over the years, incorporating lessons learned from previous tournaments. “It’s a way to prevent ticket scalping and ensure more fans get access,” Setlur explained.

Demand for tickets is particularly high for Canada’s guaranteed match on June 12, 2026, which marks the nation’s first World Cup game on home soil. The exclusivity of the domestic sales phase has intensified competition among Canadian fans. Setlur emphasized that with the addition of more teams participating in this World Cup—expanding from 32 to 48—there will be a larger global audience vying for tickets.

As the excitement builds for the tournament, fans are reminded of the challenges that accompany such a prestigious event. The unique structure of FIFA’s ticketing process, combined with high demand, has resulted in a complex landscape for those hoping to experience the thrill of the World Cup live. CTV News Toronto has reached out to FIFA for further comments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.