'It's a different World Cup' - Fans frustrated by prices, restrictions ahead of Mexico opener
Key Takeaways
- Fans criticised ticket prices at Estadio Azteca, with some seats reportedly averaging around $1,300.
- Street vendors objected to FIFA restrictions on merchandise sales and penalties for businesses showing matches.
- Ongoing teachers' union protests have created uncertainty around planned World Cup fan events in Mexico City.
Supporters and vendors raise concerns over ticket costs, merchandise rules and event uncertainty before kickoff
As Mexico City prepares to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some fans and street vendors say rising costs and restrictions are overshadowing the excitement surrounding the tournament.
Around the city, supporters gathered near the Monument to the Revolution wearing Mexico jerseys and waving national flags. Others purchased team shirts from street vendors despite growing concerns over merchandise restrictions.
For some fans, access to the tournament has become increasingly difficult.
"It's a World Cup that Mexico isn’t really invited to, mainly because of the restrictions. As Mexicans, we try to express our identity and show our pride, but unfortunately, right now the only ways to watch are through paid television," said Mexico City resident Aldo Nunez.
At Estadio Azteca, where Mexico is scheduled to face South Africa in the opening match on Thursday, average ticket prices have reportedly climbed to around $1,300.
Street vendors also voiced frustration over FIFA's rules on merchandise sales.
"We've been saving money so we could invest in merchandise. And now FIFA is saying that we can't sell anything from Mexico [...] Most of us don't agree with it," said vendor Jazmin.
"They're fining businesses for showing the matches in restaurants, and that’s not fair. People go out to dinner so they can enjoy a game," she continued.
Questions also remain over fan events planned around the tournament.
Due to ongoing blockades by the teachers' union CNTE near Estadio Azteca and the Zócalo, President Claudia Sheinbaum said it remains unclear whether the World Cup opening fan festival can be held in the city's main square.
The union is demanding higher wages and changes to pension policies, demands the government says are financially unworkable.
Visitors arriving for the tournament have also expressed concern.
"I just found out that a police officer said everything may be canceled tomorrow," said Deyanira, a Mexican resident of Germany who travelled to Mexico City for the World Cup.
"So I don’t know. I am a bit disappointed and surprised by the organisation."
"Now I arrive in my country and see a bit of chaos: marches, protests, restrictions, and everything is extremely expensive. So it's definitely a different World Cup," she added.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 in Mexico City and will be hosted across Mexico, the United States and Canada in an expanded 48-team tournament.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
