The opener should be one of the competition’s easiest fixtures to sell. The United States will begin a home World Cup in a major football market, with the national team expected to attract strong local interest.
Yet the report says seats remain available through official channels, while additional tickets have appeared on the resale market. That proximity to kick-off is the clearest signal that demand has not matched expectations.
For organisers, the concern is not simply whether the stadium fills. A subdued atmosphere or visible empty sections would create an unwelcome image as the tournament builds momentum across North America.
High prices have been cited as a major reason for the slower uptake. That points to a familiar tension in modern football: organisers want to maximise revenue, while supporters compare tournament tickets with the wider cost of attending live sport.
Resale listings can deepen that problem. If tickets are available at inflated prices while fans remain unwilling to commit, the market may be reflecting a gap between official expectations and what supporters consider reasonable.
The report also describes ticket availability around Canada’s opening fixture, while Mexico’s opener appears to have generated stronger demand. That contrast suggests the challenge may vary by host city, team profile and local football culture rather than affecting every match equally.
The attendance picture arrives as the United States prepares under heightened attention. Work to install a grass pitch at SoFi Stadium has been completed, but the venue’s readiness is now being judged alongside the wider tournament operation.
The United States will want the conversation to move quickly back to football. A convincing opening performance against Paraguay would help, but the ticketing issue will remain part of the tournament narrative until the stands are full.
The next test comes on June 12: not only whether the United States can start strongly, but whether the opening whistle finally turns concern into a World Cup atmosphere.