The World Cup arrives in the United States amid a clash between fan enthusiasm and financial frustration. While the U.S. team prepares to face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, many supporters are priced out. Dynamic pricing has pushed some secondary market seats to over $4,000, a massive jump from the $25 minimums seen in 1994.

Legal pressure is mounting as attorneys general from New York and New Jersey investigate FIFA over ticket pricing and deceptive seating claims. While the governing body expects to earn more than $10 billion, host cities bear most costs with little guaranteed payoff. Hotel bookings also lag, potentially due to visa issues and artificial demand from block reservations.

Logistical hurdles further complicate the event, particularly in cities reliant on cars. In New Jersey, round-trip train tickets to East Rutherford jumped to $98, up from $13, as officials blame FIFA's strict security requirements. This cost shift protects taxpayers but burdens fans who must navigate limited transit options in regions like North Texas.

Despite these frictions, immigrant communities and local fans remain eager. The expanded 48-team format increases global interest, though the economic benefits for host cities remain disputed by experts who call impact estimates inflated. The tournament's financial structure favors the central organization over the local infrastructure providing the venues.