Delhi man kills schizophrenic son, lured him to shipping container on pretext of doctor visitPolice said the accused first smashed the victim’s head with a stone and then strangled him. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026, 06:43:07 IST By Karn Pratap Singh Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A
HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan not seeking reappointment, to retire in October: ReportThe bank's board will fast-track the selection and appointment of Jagdishan's successor as MD and CEO, and complete the process “well within time”. Updated on: Aug 29, 2026
‘Good work is appreciated with more work’: Man warns employees about workplace ‘trap’A man warned that being too efficient at work could become a trap and urged employees to set clear boundaries. Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 06:36:52 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google Share via
MicahJo Barnett parents: Who are Michelle Barnett and Felix Lora? Inside William Jewell RB's family after tragic deathWilliam Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died after suffering a medical emergency during the Cardinals’ season opener against Fort Lewis. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026
Pharma industry stares down biggest patent cliff in decadesMore than $500 billion in projected annual drug sales face patent expirations in the coming years. Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 20:31:02 IST WSJ Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link More than $500 billion in projected annual drug sales
China censors Tibet flood reports, viral video pulled down, foreign media restrictedReports from official Chinese outlets reportedly focused on rescue operations, with limited information about the scale of the damage caused by the floods. Updated on: Aug 30, 2026
Just Like That: 50 years on, why Mukesh’s voice still still resonates todayFifty years after his death, legendary singer Mukesh’s soulful voice, timeless songs and emotional depth continue to resonate with generations of listeners. Published on: Aug 30, 2026
Woman opens up about the ‘6 to 10 shift’ after office hours: ‘When will I take out time for myself?’A woman shared how responsibilities after work had left her with little time to focus on her own growth. Published on: Aug 30, 2026, 07:21:41 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
World Cup turnout defies concerns
Despite high ticket prices and travel restrictions, the World Cup is witnessing record attendance in the US, driven by a love for grand spectacles rather than soccer's popularity. Experts highlight the appeal of major global events and the allure of top-tier sporting experiences, suggesting Americans are willing to splurge on such occasions. This success could bode well for future large-scale events hosted in the country.
World Cup attendances are on track for record highs despite daunting ticket prices and Trump administration travel restrictions. Experts say it is less a reflection of America's fondness for soccer, and more a measure of its love of spectacle. Through 44 matches, total attendance topped 2.85 million, with the average stadium about 99.6% full, according to a Reuters analysis based on FIFA data.
"Americans like big events," said Dan Rascher, a sports economics expert at the University of San Francisco. "They want to be there for the big moments." While this year's World Cup is bigger than its predecessors -- totalling 104 matches, up from 64 -- attendance is on pace to break the all-time record well before this year's 64th game. The existing mark of nearly 3.6 million spectators was set in 1994, the last time the U.S. hosted.
"Part of it is that we have these gigantic stadiums," said Victor Matheson, an economist and sports business expert at the College of the Holy Cross.
But stadiums in 2026 are also fuller, on a percentage basis, than nearly any World Cup this century, with the possible exception of Germany's in 2006, according to FIFA annual reports and a Reuters attendance analysis.
Also Read | No off days: Messi posts video of high intensity workout on 39th birthday ahead of Jordan FIFA WC clash
HIGH PRICES? NO PROBLEM
It shows Americans don't like missing out on global spectacles, experts say.
Soccer is not as popular in the U.S. as in other recent host nations, like Brazil and Germany, and ticket prices have never been higher.
FIFA for the first time adopted a dynamic pricing model, changing prices based on demand. A last-minute ticket to Thursday's match between Paraguay and Australia, for example, cost $450. The secondary market has been even steeper. TicketData, which tracks resale prices, reported average "get-in" rates of $798 -- the cheapest resale ticket available for a given match. FIFA has faced criticism for the pricing strategy, but a spokesperson on Tuesday said it reflected market demand and "aligns with industry trends ... where the price is adapted to optimise sales and attendance". The spokesperson added that FIFA has made 130,000 tickets available at $60 each. FIFA also took heat for its decision last December to award a peace prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, an immigration hawk whose travel restrictions have hindered the ability of Haitians, Iranians, Senegalese and others to travel to the U.S. for the tournament.
If fans harbour resentment, it has not kept them home. "The American consumer is willing to pay for what they perceive to be a premium sporting event," said John Grady, a sport management professor at the University of South Carolina.
Also Read | "Purely a sporting matter": FIFA President Infantino defends WC2026 hydration breaks
SPLURGE WHEN IT MATTERS
That traces a broader trend: Americans have not stopped splurging on glamorous items, despite stubbornly low consumer sentiment, but they are being "more intentional" about big purchases, researchers at Nielsen IQ said in a May report, increasingly offsetting them with cheaper purchases on everyday goods.
It's not so much soccer that Americans love, but top-shelf products writ large. "Americans want the best, and the World Cup is the cream of the crop," said Rascher.
More Americans watch Mexico's Liga MX - seen as boasting high levels of talent -- than the U.S.'s own domestic soccer league, Major League Soccer, according to a June report by Nielsen.
"We always think the World Cup will lead to a boost in MLS ratings, but so far, it hasn't," Rascher said.
Individual athletes with global star power, like Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe, can draw thousands of fans by themselves, added Grady -- a relatively recent phenomenon in the influencer era. FIFA has forecast more than $3 billion in revenue from ticket sales and hospitality rights, and experts say that may be conservative. Matheson reckons the number could climb as high as $4 billion. That compares with about $949 million in 2022, and $712 million in 2018, according to FIFA annual reports.
IMMIGRATION IN FOCUS
Some observers say it is fair to wonder if fan engagement could have been even stronger, particularly at parallel events like FIFA fan festivals, if not for Trump's travel restrictions, and bubbling anti-American sentiment overseas. International tourism to the U.S. fell 5.7% last year due in part to "sentiment and policy headwinds," consulting firm Oxford Economics reported in January, and World Cup tourism was initially slow to materialise. "Under a different administration, we almost certainly would've had more international interest in coming," said Matheson. The White House said the World Cup "will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind". "This will be a monumental event," said White House spokesman Davis Ingle. "President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history." The FIFA spokesperson, meanwhile, called the tournament "a huge success from a fan engagement point of view", noting more than 3.5 million fans had visited the fan festivals through Monday.
The festivals -- giant watch parties with food, entertainment and merchandise sales -- amassed 7.7 million visits during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and 5.5 million in 2014 in Brazil, according to FIFA.
Companies and cities are hosting their own, parallel events. Walmart's so-called Kickoff event in Dallas on June 20 drew some 800 fans, a spokesperson said.
Goya is sponsoring what it calls Flag Cities events, with food trucks and live music. San Jose and its MLS soccer squad, the Earthquakes, have staged an ongoing watch party that operates daily through the tournament.
It could bode well for the U.S.'s next big sports bonanza -- the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
The World Cup has been "a nice precursor," Grady said. "It shows global fans the United States can throw a good party."
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Why FIFA’s ‘extortionate’ 2026 World Cup ticket prices are not the real problem 2026 World Cup ticket prices reach ₹7 US lifts restrictions on flights in time for Thanksgiving travel Long Ticket Queues At Delhi Metro Even As Smart Ticket Option Exists Woman Passenger Argues With TTE Despite Travelling Without Ticket Property prices stay high despite slower sales Delhi govt to end paper-based pink ticket for free travel from August Inside the 2026 World Cup ticket sales and resale process Fifa brings in new £45 ticket for 2026 World Cup FIFA World Cup ticket holders can get priority visa appointments
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday asked newspaper Anandabazar Patrika to apologise for using the phrase “saffron hooliganism” in its headline to describe the August 20 clash between student groups at Jadavpur University. “I will ask a news outlet in West Bengal to do
5 hours ago
Across the globe in Australia, a toddler with speech delays delighted her family with her first word - "orange" - after she and her twin sister received a free book in the post about colours. It came from Imagination Library, the literacy programme begun by late global superstar Dolly Parton
5 hours ago
The US government plans a 35% passive stake in Alejandro Betancourt's energy company. It also seeks preferential rights to purchase 20% of production at cost. This investment is structured through penny warrants for equity without significant capital outlay
5 hours ago
Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has appealed to BJP MPs from the state. He urged them to demand the reversal of the recently passed mining bill. Patnaik stated the legislation would cause significant financial losses for Odisha. He also mentioned the bill takes away control over the state's mineral
5 hours ago
Here is important news for State Bank of India (SBI) account holders. If you have an account with the State Bank, you should be aware of this update, as it will impact your finances starting October 1st. SBI has made significant changes to its transaction charge policies—specifically regarding
5 hours ago
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has partnered with MakeMyTrip to cover the applicable UAE entry visa fee for eligible Indian travellers booking hotel stays in Abu Dhabi. Under the initiative, travellers who make an eligible booking for a stay of three nights or more can have the
5 hours ago
A series of major disasters has made the number 26 seem unusually unlucky, and the date has once again drawn attention after the deadly Nepal floods on August 26, this year. From earthquakes and floods to terror attacks, several tragedies have been linked to the date
1 days ago
Former Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno was sentenced Friday (August 28, 2026) to 5 years in prison after a court found him guilty of accepting bribes from a Chinese company in exchange for helping it secure a contract to build a hydroelectric plant
1 days ago
Can you name a single woman Renaissance master? Updated on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:08:29 IST By Gowri S Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The bias in art history has marginalized women's contributions, leading to forgotten works. From forgotten Renaissance masters to overlooked abstract pioneers:
1 days ago
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday accused the BJP of using threatening rhetoric against India’s youth after BJP Karnataka shared a social media video featuring the term “Dimaagi Naxals”. Other opposition voices also criticised the post
1 days ago
Republicans are worried about the midterms. Trump is focused on his legacy.As his approval ratings sag, Trump is on a mission to burnish his legacy, according to his advisers. Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 14:00:57 IST WSJ Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link WASHINGTON—President Trump this week
1 days ago
Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR against individuals performing a purification ritual. He alleged this ritual reflected the BJP-RSS mindset against Dalits. Gandhi stated the act amounted to untouchability and violated constitutional law. He linked the incident to an ideological battle for the
1 days ago
Amaal Mallik recently took to social media to announce a break from his film music career. “Need a break for my mind, body, soul and overall physical healing. Need to rise, recuperate and bounce back soon with a heart full of melodies (sic)," he wrote
1 days ago
Tax breaks for charity donations should be scrappedThey are a poor way to do good Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 12:00:55 IST The Economist Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Over more than 20 years Sheldon Solow, an American property billionaire who died in 2020
1 days ago
Who is Jennifer Gledhill? Utah woman accused of killing husband Matthew Johnson in 2024 as body may finally be foundNew court records show investigators are seeking data from Jennifer Gledhill's Oura Ring, believing it could reveal where her husband's body was taken. Published on: Aug 29, 2026
1 days ago
Mohan Bhagwat billboard appears in Times Square ahead of RSS chief’s New York eventVideos showed his image prominently displayed at the iconic Manhattan location ahead of the August 29 programme. Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:42:58 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A
1 days ago
Techie who started career with TCS reveals ‘things that surprised’ him after joining MicrosoftThe techie talked about various perks offered to employees at Microsoft and how his outlook towards corporate world changed after joining the company. Updated on: Aug 29, 2026
1 days ago
A monthly rent of Rs 29,000 can mean very different things depending on the location, size and facilities offered. One Noida tenant has shared what she gets for that amount, including a semi-furnished flat and several society amenities. Tanu Bhardwaj gave viewers a look at her rental home in
1 days ago
A federal judge on Friday (August 28, 2026) ruled that laws that President Donald Trump’s administration used to cancel visas and initiate deportation proceedings against noncitizen college students based on their pro-Palestinian advocacy and criticism of Israel are unconstitutional
1 days ago
Did Mica Miller have kids, where are John Paul 'JP' Miller's kids now? Latest update amid Death of a Pastor's WifeMica Miller was 30 when she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at North Carolina’s Lumber River State Park on April 27, 2024. Published on: Aug 29, 2026
1 days ago
A special court has taken cognisance of the National Investigation Agency’s chargesheet in connection with the November 10 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, ANI reported on Saturday. This paves the way for judicial proceedings in the case to begin. The NIA has named 13 persons in the chargesheet
1 days ago
Sweating more doesn’t mean burning more fat: Fitness trainer busts common workout myths, reveals what actually works Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:13:43 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Fitness trainer Chadoy Leon emphasises that soreness and sweat do not equate
1 days ago
Across the globe in Australia, a toddler with speech delays delighted her family with her first word - "orange" - after she and her twin sister received a free book in the post about colours. It came from Imagination Library, the literacy programme begun by late global superstar Dolly Parton
1 days ago
Whether you are beginning your mindful eating journey or are someone who is a pro at ensuring you hit protein goals every day, eating healthy is more than one thing. When you only focus on one part of your plate, it can negatively affect your body and health even if you are eating all the eggs
1 days ago
Congress leaders on Friday alleged that Penguin Random House India succumbed to pressure from the Union government with respect to former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that the publisher was under pressure
1 days ago
Liverpool have agreed a deal worth up to £123m for Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. PSG initially valued the France attacker at £145m, but the Reds have agreed a package worth an initial £106m with £17m in potential add-ons. The 23-year-old is expected to have a medical this weekend
1 days ago
AIMIM expels Telangana MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig; asks him to resign from postThe party has not officially disclosed the grounds for Baig’s expulsion. It is also not immediately known whether he was served any prior notice Published on: Aug 29, 2026, 13:59:53 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu
1 days ago
![New Delhi, [India] August 29 (ANI): The UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has granted Starlink Satellite](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/uae-regulator-grants-starlink-10-year-licence-to-provide-satellite-int.jpg?width=120&height=70)
