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England Beats Costa Rica as Ticket Prices Spark Outcry

6/11/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Fans and the Football Supporters’ Association called World Cup ticket prices scandalous and warned sales will be low.
Declan Rice said his sunburn from a photoshoot shows the squad is adjusting to U.S. heat.
The 48-team format expands the group stage to 72 matches and 108 hours, raising fatigue concerns.
England’s warm-up against Costa Rica, delayed by a thunderstorm, ended 3-0 with goals from Rice, Gordon and Watkins.

History

Historical Context

When the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, FIFA and the US Soccer Federation sold 2.5 million tickets but left roughly 30 % of seats empty, including a match with nearly 11,000 vacant spots at the indoor Silverdome. That legacy of high prices and unused capacity informs today’s criticism from England’s FA and players such as Declan Rice of the 48-team 2026 tournament.

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Story summary

Fans and the Football Supporters’ Association called World Cup ticket prices scandalous and warned sales will be low.
Declan Rice said his sunburn from a photoshoot shows the squad is adjusting to U.S. heat.
The 48-team format expands the group stage to 72 matches and 108 hours, raising fatigue concerns.
England’s warm-up against Costa Rica, delayed by a thunderstorm, ended 3-0 with goals from Rice, Gordon and Watkins.

1 / 2