Slow Ticket Sales, Low Enthusiasm For USMNT Before The World Cup

BusinessSportsMoneySlow Ticket Sales, Low Enthusiasm For USMNT Before The World CupByMichael Lewis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. U.S. men's national team and soccerFollow AuthorApr 24, 2026, 05:00pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 31: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States dribbles during the International Friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWith only 48 days until the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup on June 11, there is lagging enthusiasm for the U.S. men's national team in their three group-stage matches on the west coast.In most countries in the world, any World Cup game for the home team likely would be an instant sellout.Tickets, however, have been a slow sell as the U.S. Men’s National Team has been slow fill SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles, for its June 12 opener against Paraguay. That match had the third highest priced tickets when FIFA introduced ticket sales in October.The team also has similar numbers to for its second game against Australia in Seattle on June 19 and against Turkey on June 25, according to The Athletic. That is not a good look for the World Cup or for FIFA.Compare that to the June 15 match at SoFi Stadium, as 50,661 tickets have been sold for the Iran-New Zealand encounter.The slow sales come from several factors, including extremely high-ticket prices, which has created controversy coast-to-coast, that the U.S. has traditionally experienced problems attracting pro-American crowds on its own soil, particularly in southern California, and that the squad hasn't impressed in its recent performances.WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 22: FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a large Wo...