World Cup ticket speculation drives price volatility and resale woes

Fans buying tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have faced volatile prices and empty seats after buying on resale platforms. A San Francisco resident who purchased tickets on StubHub discovered the tickets were never delivered, prompting the vendor to offer replacement tickets only after media intervention. Economists say the market’s perishable‑goods nature and speculation—especially in knockout stages—has amplified price swings, exposing flaws in FIFA’s ticketing system.

Separately, the Kalshi trading platform is promoting a $10 bonus for new users who trade on the Argentina‑Switzerland quarter‑final match and UFC 329. The offer, limited to certain U.S. states, requires a $10 qualifying trade within 30 days and cannot be withdrawn. Kalshi operates by allowing users to buy and sell contracts on event outcomes, charging small transaction fees similar to a betting commission.