World cup ticket prices soar, while some local kids get free seats
Airbnb announced it will give away 1,000 World Cup tickets to youth across New York and New Jersey, in a move that would expand youth access to the high-priced games.
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Ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are raising concerns about affordability, with some seats costing thousands of dollars.
According to FIFA's website, the cheapest tickets for the MetLife Stadium games are around $1,800, while seats for the final start at more than $16,000. Many argue this puts the event completely out of reach for most fans.
But in Queens, some kids got the opportunity of a lifetime. Soccer players at the Jamaica YMCA were among the first batch of kids to get free World Cup tickets.
Airbnb announced it will give away 1,000 tickets to youth across New York and New Jersey, in a move that would expand youth access to the high-priced games.
"It's really important that when the World Cup comes to New York and New Jersey, that everyday folks are able to participate in this really generational opportunity," said Airbnb spokesperson Kevin Munoz.
The company is partnering with local organizations to select recipients who have a love for soccer.
