As the clock ticks faster and the date for the start of the world's biggest football event draws near, the eyes of football fans are turning towards the United States of America, Canada and Mexico, the three countries hosting the 2026 World Cup. With only a short time remaining until the opening whistle, the issue of tickets has become the main concern for millions around the world, amidst radical changes in sales and pricing mechanisms compared to previous editions.

Unprecedented historical turnout and record numbers

FIFA announced figures reflecting unprecedented public enthusiasm, with nearly two million tickets sold during the first two phases alone. This edition saw demand exceeding supply by more than 30 times, a figure that reflects the high level of anticipation for the first tournament to feature 48 teams.

To put these figures in their historical context, FIFA explained that the current volume of orders is equivalent to 3.4 times the total number of spectators who attended the 964 matches in the last 22 editions of the World Cup since its inception in 1930. Residents of the host countries topped the list of the biggest buyers, followed by fans from England, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Argentina, and France.

Expansion of the tournament and its global impact

The 2026 edition holds special significance and a broad global impact, not only because it will be held in three countries with significant economic and tourism weight, but also because it marks a new era with the increase in the number of participating teams from 32 to 48. This expansion means 104 matches, spanning from the opening on June 11 to the final on July 19, which will open the door to larger audiences and boost the economic returns for the host countries and the global tourism sector.

In this context, Michael Edgley, director of the Australian tourism company "Green Gold Army", pointed out that demand in the United States is overwhelmingly higher compared to the four previous tournaments in Qatar, Russia, Brazil and South Africa, which confirms the special appeal of this edition.

Ticket price list: A significant jump in costs

Ticket prices sparked a heated debate, no less intense than the matches themselves, especially when compared to the average prices in the initial hosting bid. Official figures reveal a significant cost discrepancy:

• Final match (New Jersey): Prices range between $2,030 and $6,370, a huge jump compared to the Qatar 2022 World Cup final, which ranged between $206 and $1,607.
• Opening match (Mexico City): Prices range between $560 and $2735.
• Group stage: Starting from $100 and going up to $575.
• The knockout rounds: Prices rise gradually, starting with the round of 16 at $220, the quarterfinals at $410, and reaching the semifinals at $2,780.

Dynamic Pricing System: A New Precedent

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is implementing a "dynamic" or variable pricing system, similar to those used by airlines and hotels. This system means that the price of a ticket for the same seat may rise or fall based on actual demand, ticket sales speed, and the popularity of the match, causing confusion and frustration among a large segment of fans who found themselves facing prices beyond their means.

The resale market and US laws

The ticket resale market in this edition is radically different due to US laws that legally permit resale, something that was not possible in previous editions. Although FIFA recommends using its official platform, which takes a 15% fee, resellers can set prices far above the face value, especially for major matches, thus fueling the speculative market.

In an attempt to balance prices, FIFA introduced a special category with a fixed price of $60 for seats in the upper corners, mainly intended for local federations to distribute to the most loyal fans of their national teams, in a move aimed at preserving the traditional spirit of cheering amid the fever of high prices.

In a new historical revelation shedding light on the long history of football competitions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sports historian Amr Siraj Faqih, a member of the committee documenting the history and championships of Al-Ahli Club and its representative in the project to document the history of Saudi football, reviewed exciting facts related to the "Jeddah Derby," the oldest and most prestigious match in Saudi stadiums.

The roots of the historical rivalry between the two poles

Faqih emphasized that the football rivalry between Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad is not a recent phenomenon, but rather a legacy spanning over 70 years, with official matches beginning concurrently with the launch of the officially recognized Saudi championships in 1377 AH (1957 CE). This derby is a cornerstone of Saudi sports history, as the encounters between the two teams formed the initial foundation for the intense fan rivalry that the Kingdom witnesses today, giving it a market and popular value that extends far beyond the stadium.

Details of the famous Al-Ittihad withdrawal incident

In an interview with Okaz newspaper, the historian highlighted a pivotal historical event that occurred on Monday, 22 Rajab 1388 AH (corresponding to October 14, 1968). This event saw Al-Ittihad withdraw from their league match against their traditional rivals, Al-Ahli. Faqih explained that Al-Ahli were leading 4-2 on the field when Al-Ittihad decided to withdraw, resulting in the official 4-0 score being recorded in favor of Al-Ahli, according to the rules and regulations in place at that time.

Record: Al Ahly's 9 consecutive wins

The withdrawal was not a mere coincidence; it occurred at the heart of a golden era for Al-Ahli, revealing an unprecedented record, both locally and perhaps globally, in derby matches. Al-Ahli achieved a series of nine consecutive victories against Al-Ittihad in official matches, spanning from September 1967 to September 1970. The results of this series were as follows: (3-1, 2-1, 4-0 "withdrawal", 2-0, 1-0, 4-0, 3-1, 2-0, 3-2), reflecting Al-Ahli's overwhelming technical superiority during that period.

The language of numbers and official documentation

Based on the 2025 Saudi Football History Documentation Project, Faqih explained that the total number of official matches between the two teams reached 191. The statistics show Al-Ahli's historical advantage with 73 victories compared to Al-Ittihad's 62, while 56 matches ended in a draw. These figures are of paramount importance as they come from official sources and accredited documentation committees, thus putting an end to the ongoing public debate surrounding the history of head-to-head encounters.

The importance of the derby in sporting memory

The importance of this information goes beyond mere historical recounting; it underscores the deep sporting roots of Saudi clubs. The Jeddah derby is considered a prestigious showcase for Saudi football regionally and across the Arab world, and documenting such events contributes to preserving the historical rights of clubs and enhances the credibility of sporting records in the Kingdom, especially given the current qualitative leap the sports sector is witnessing.