$25 tickets then, $10,990 now: What’s changed since the USA last hosted the World Cup?

Adidas Trionda Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Ball on the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying match between Germany and Slovakia at Red Bull Arena on November 17, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo/Getty Images) The World Cup will return to North America in 2026, 32 years after the United States first hosted the tournament in 1994. But much has changed since then, from the number of teams and matches to ticket prices, stadium requirements and even how games are officiated on the field.The 2026 edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will be the biggest World Cup in history. The tournament will feature 48 teams, up from 24 in 1994 and 32 in recent editions.One of the biggest changes is the cost of attending matches. In 1994, tickets for the first round ranged from $25 to $75, while tickets for the final cost between $180 and $475. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ticket prices initially ranged from US$140 to US$2,735 for first-round matches and from US$4,185 to US$8,680 for the final. FIFA later increased the top price for a final ticket to US$10,990. The 2026 tournament is also the first World Cup to use dynamic pricing, where ticket prices change based on demand.The tournament itself has grown significantly. The 1994 World Cup was the last edition with 24 teams before FIFA expanded the field to 32 in 1998. In 2026, the competition will include 48 teams and will include a new round of 32. Teams that reach the final will now play eight matches instead of seven.There were also changes in the conditions of the game. In 1994, FIFA allowed some stadiums to use pitches narrower than the standard dimensions. For the 2026 tournament, the stadiums were modified to meet FIFA pitch size requirements.A sharp increase in attendance is also expected. The 1994 World Cup attracted a record attendance of 3.59 million over 52 matches, an average of 68,991 fans per match. With almost double the number of matches in 2026, the total attendance is expected to reach six to seven million.The footprint of the tournament has also expanded. The 1994 edition was played in nine stadiums across the United States, with the opening game being held at Soldier Field in Chicago. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have 16 venues – 11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. All matches from the quarter-final stage onwards will be played in the United States. Chicago will not host any matches after declining to participate due to concerns over financial arrangements with FIFA.The infrastructure of the stadium has also changed. While the 1994 World Cup used several NFL venues, some of which no longer exist, all 11 American venues in 2026 are modern NFL stadiums with luxury suites and premium seating.Measures have also been developed for player welfare. The teams played through hot and humid conditions in 1994 with no scheduled breaks. In 2026, matches played in similar weather conditions will include three-minute water breaks in each half, which coaches can also use to give instructions.The rotation rules have expanded significantly. Teams could only make two substitutions during the 1994 World Cup, with a third only allowed in specific situations involving goalkeepers. In 2026, teams may use five substitutes during regular time, with another substitute available in overtime and another to replace a concussed player.Several aspects of the presentation have also changed. Player names first appeared on jerseys at the 1994 World Cup and have since become a standard feature of the game.The way the tournament is organized has also changed. The 1994 World Cup was largely managed by a local organizing committee led by Alan Rothenberg, then head of the US Soccer Federation. For the 2026 tournament, FIFA is directly overseeing operations, with president Gianni Infantino playing a prominent role in preparations.