Exclusively at @SBJ: Only 12,000 people have opted in to the FIFA PASS to receive an expedited U.S. visa interview appointment for the World Cup. While not a perfect proxy, it’s the last signal that the anticipated spike in tourism may not be materializing. sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/…

At the current rate, traveling and spending 5 days in the Maldives, in an all inclusive 5 star villa, with private chef, transfers, a bunch of activities and amenities, will be cheaper than tickets for a group stage match, let alone playoffs and final... it wouldn't surprise me to see partial stadiums all over...

@AlexMSilverman @TaylorTwellman @SBJ Tons of fans will have Visa issues and have to sell their tickets. Secondary market in the days leading up to games will tank in price and lead to half empty stadiums. FIFA will have egg on their face for price gouging

@AlexMSilverman @thegoalkeeper @SBJ The World Cup may well just save the US from a larger decline, it's hardly seemed the most welcoming, in fact it seems the least welcoming host in World Cup history

@AlexMSilverman @TaylorTwellman @SBJ I’m going to guess that there will be a lot of unsold seats for many games. FIFA is creating artificial scarcity and FOMO, but there’s going to be a lot of seats for Jordan vs Algeria etc

TERRENCE SHANNON JR. IN HIS FIRST PLAYOFF START 🤯

The World Cup is not what it used to be anymore. Other events like a big concert give people similar (or better) status markers, at a lower price, with less headaches. And then, for the true soccer fans, it’s simply too expensive for what they can afford. 500 usd a ticket is someone’s monthly salary in Argentina.

@AlexMSilverman @SBJ The final will not even sell out These guys would rather keep their prices and pride

@AlexMSilverman @TaylorTwellman @SBJ Wonder why?

@AlexMSilverman @SBJ What anticipated spike?

@AlexMSilverman @KieranMaguire @SBJ You naysayers will all be proved wrong yet again Enjoy your misery

@AlexMSilverman @SBJ Not surprised, sadly.

@AlexMSilverman @SBJ Surprised why they've even requested hosting while not welcoming it

@AlexMSilverman @TaylorTwellman @SBJ Fake news