The knockout stage has reshaped demand, with several blockbuster matchups disappearing and ticket prices tumbling.

The knockout stage has reshaped demand, with several blockbuster matchups disappearing and ticket prices tumbling.
YURI CORTEZ
World Cup 2026

Why World Cup 2026 quarterfinal tickets suddenly dropped by up to 62%

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its final stretch, with just eight teams left in the race for the title. The remaining field will produce either a new world champion or a successful title defense, as Argentina is still alive in the tournament. But three of the teams that drew the biggest crowds throughout the competition have already been knocked out.

Which World Cup team’s exit caused greatest ticket price fall?

Brazil, Mexico and the United States were all eliminated in the round of 16, triggering ticket price drops of as much as 62% for the quarterfinals. Portugal, Canada and Colombia also bowed out of the tournament.

The biggest fall came after Mauricio Pochettino’s United States was eliminated. Before the round of 16, tickets for what many expected could be a Spain or Portugal vs USMNT quarterfinal were selling for $3,261 on TickPick. After the Americans’ exit, prices plunged 62% to $1,223.

The second-largest drop came from the quarterfinal many had hoped would feature Brazil against Mexico. Instead, after both nations were eliminated, the matchup became Norway vs England. Tickets that had been selling for $3,866 before the knockout games are now available for $1,805 – a decline of 53%.

Colombia’s elimination also had a significant impact. Ticket prices for Argentina vs Switzerland fell 41%, dropping from $2,381 before the round of 16 to $1,400.

A blow for the World Cup

Seven of the 10 countries that requested the most tickets for the 2026 World Cup are now out of the tournament.That list includes all three host nations, along with Brazil, Portugal, Colombia and Germany.

The World Cup quarterfinals begin on Thursday, July 9, when one of the favorites to lift the trophy, France, faces Morocco, a team that has moved beyond its underdog label and established itself as a genuine contender.

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