Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final matches have dropped sharply following the elimination of hosts the United States and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
This shows how much star power and home advantage affect demand, similar to how Messi’s hat trick helped Algeria overtake Nigeria as his record African victims.
According to reports from ticket resale platforms like TickPick and SeatPick, the cheapest tickets for Friday’s match in Los Angeles fell by nearly 60% after Monday’s Round of 16 results.
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🎟️ View Live Ticket DealsPrices dropped from around $2,950 to as low as $1,200 on the secondary market.
The United States suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium, ending their dream of a deep run as hosts. Portugal were knocked out 1-0 by Spain, bringing an end to Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
The absence of both the home nation and one of football’s biggest global stars significantly reduced demand for the remaining matches.
Broader Impact on the Tournament
Average resale prices across all quarter-final games have fallen by over 30% in the past day and more than 50% in the last three days. The number of tickets available on secondary markets has also risen sharply.
Among the remaining quarter-finals, the France vs Morocco clash currently has the cheapest tickets. However, demand for the final in New Jersey remains very high, with the lowest resale prices still exceeding $9,000.
The 2026 World Cup was already one of the most expensive in history, with ticket prices far higher than previous tournaments.
The early exits of major attractions like Ronaldo and the USA have created a sudden cooling effect in the resale market.
For fans hoping to attend the later stages, this presents a rare chance to secure tickets at more affordable prices. That said, prices are likely to fluctuate again depending on which teams advance further in the competition.