The US and Mexico are out of the World Cup. Ticket prices are plunging

World Cup Exit of US and Mexico Sparks Sharp Drop in Ticket Prices

The US and Mexico are out - The elimination of the United States and Mexico from the World Cup has created a boon for ticket buyers seeking affordable options. With both teams eliminated, prices for matches involving them have dropped significantly, according to TickPick, a secondary ticket platform.

Ticket Price Drops

Friday’s Spain-Belgium game saw prices plunge 65% on TickPick. The US would have participated in the match had they advanced earlier this week. Before Monday’s loss, the lowest-priced ticket for the US was approximately $3,200. Following their defeat, prices have fallen to $1,100 for the afternoon game in Los Angeles.

Mexico’s Sunday loss to England also triggered a 45% reduction in ticket prices. The cheapest tickets for their quarterfinal matchup in Miami are now available for $2,000, down from nearly $4,000 prior to the match.

“Quarterfinal tickets were priced with the expectation that both Mexico and the US would advance,” said Brett Goldberg, co-CEO of TickPick. “When they lost on back-to-back days in the Round of 16, there was an immediate and significant drop in demand for their respective quarterfinal matchup.”

Impact on Host Countries

Canada’s elimination last week means all three host nations have been ousted from the competition. However, the exit of the US and Mexico has posed challenges for Tom’s Watch Bar, a chain with 18 locations across the country.

Schaden noted that days featuring Mexico and the US were "massive lifts" for the company. He now anticipates a 50% drop in revenue on World Cup days with the two nations' absence. Mexico’s fans were more frequent visitors to the chain’s locations than US supporters, according to Schaden. "He emphasized that 'price was no object' for Mexican fans," he added.

Beer Sales Surge Amid World Cup Activity

Despite the setbacks, beer sales at bars and restaurants have risen 6.4% over the past four weeks, per the Beer Institute. In host cities, the increase was even steeper, with a 14% jump compared to the same period a year ago.

Massachusetts saw the most significant rise at 23%, followed by the New York metro area at 19% and California at 14%. "The US team’s run helped build excitement, but the data show this tournament is bigger than any one team," explained Andrew Heritage, chief economist at the Beer Institute. "We expect that momentum to continue through the final with fans prioritizing sharing a beer when they gather."