What's happened
Scotland qualified for the 2025 World Cup after a 28-year wait, drawing Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. Fans face high ticket prices and late kick-off times in the US, raising concerns about accessibility and viewing conditions. The tournament features 48 teams across North America, with ticketing and scheduling adjustments impacting supporters.
What's behind the headline?
The high ticket prices and late kick-off times highlight the commercial priorities of FIFA, potentially limiting supporter access and engagement. The ticket costs, especially for supporters following their team throughout the tournament, are projected to reach nearly $6,900, a significant increase from previous tournaments. This pricing strategy risks alienating dedicated fans and reducing grassroots engagement. Additionally, the scheduling conflicts with UK time zones may dampen local enthusiasm, especially in Scotland, where late-night matches could impact pub attendance and community viewing. The decision to host matches across multiple US cities reflects FIFA's focus on maximizing revenue but may undermine the tournament's accessibility and cultural significance. Supporters and local venues are calling for flexibility in licensing and viewing arrangements to mitigate these issues, but the overarching commercial interests seem to take precedence. Overall, the tournament's logistical and financial arrangements will likely influence fan participation and the broader perception of the event's inclusivity.
What the papers say
The Scotsman reports that ticket prices for Scotland supporters range from $180 to $700 depending on the match and ticket category, with a total allocation of around 3,889 tickets per game. Football Supporters Europe criticizes FIFA for 'extortionate ticket prices,' estimating that following the team from start to final could cost supporters nearly $6,900, which is five times higher than in Qatar 2022. Meanwhile, Sky News highlights the logistical challenges posed by late kick-off times, especially in Scotland, where matches in Boston and Miami will start at 9pm and 6pm local time, respectively, translating to 2am and 11pm UK time. The Scotsman emphasizes the potential impact on pub attendance and calls for licensing flexibility to support supporter celebrations. The Independent notes the tournament's expansion to 48 teams and the scheduling of matches in US cities like Dallas and East Rutherford, with some games starting as late as 3am UK time, raising concerns about supporter engagement and viewing experiences.
How we got here
Scotland's qualification for the 2025 World Cup ended a 28-year absence, achieved through a victory over Denmark. The team was drawn into Group C, with matches scheduled in Boston and Miami. The tournament is the first to feature 48 teams, with matches spread across the US, Canada, and Mexico, leading to logistical and scheduling complexities for supporters.
Go deeper
Common question
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Where Will the 2025 World Cup Matches Be Held?
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How Did Scotland Qualify for the 2025 World Cup?
Scotland's journey to the 2025 World Cup ended a 28-year wait, marking a historic moment for Scottish football. Fans are now eager to know how the team secured their spot, what challenges lie ahead, and how the tournament's logistics will affect supporter experience. Below, we explore the qualification process, ticket prices, scheduling issues, and what supporters can expect during this exciting tournament.
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What Are the Main Challenges Fans Face with Ticketing and Viewing at the 2025 World Cup?
The 2025 World Cup has brought excitement with Scotland's return after 28 years, but fans are facing significant hurdles. High ticket prices, late match times in the US, and logistical issues are making it tough for supporters to follow their teams. Curious about how these challenges impact fans and what organizers are doing? Keep reading to find out more about the ticketing costs, scheduling conflicts, and how the tournament's expansion affects viewing experiences worldwide.
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FIFA is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fútsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.
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The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in men's international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association.
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The Brazil national football team (Portuguese: Seleção Brasileira de Futebol; Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [se.leˈsɐ̃w bɾaziˈlejɾɐ dʒi futʃiˈbɔw]), nicknamed Seleção Canarinho ("Canary Squad", after their bright yellow jersey), repre
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The Morocco national football team, nicknamed "the Atlas Lions", represents Morocco in men's international football competitions. It is controlled by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, also known as FRMF. The team's colours are red and green. The tea
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