Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... What's the state of the World Cup, 100(ish) days out? | The Big Thing
Mar 5, 2026
A lively rundown of the World Cup landscape just over 100 days out. They map final qualifying paths and nail down remaining spots. Ticketing chaos, dynamic pricing, and canceled fan fests get heated debate. Security, funding and political hurdles in host cities are unpacked. Squad kits, the new official ball, mascots, and opening ceremony plans round out the conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ticket Prices Have Skyrocketed Since 2022
- Ticket prices have exploded: final tickets six times higher than 2022 and average tournament prices roughly three times higher since the prior World Cup.
- FIFA projects revenue jumping from ~$6B in 2022 to ~$11B in 2026, fueling criticism of profiteering.
Dynamic Pricing Could Cut Group Stage Costs
- FIFA implemented dynamic pricing, which could lower some group-stage prices if demand is weak.
- That risks early buyers like Graham overpaying now while later buyers may benefit from price drops.
Host Cities Are Canceling Fan Festivals
- Several planned official fan festivals in host cities like New York/New Jersey and San Francisco were canceled or altered, undermining the central fan-zone experience.
- Organizers cite costs and political concerns, leaving unofficial gatherings to fill the gap.