ɫɫ��

Pricing and access to tickets for next year’s men’s soccer showcase — co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico — has been a hot topic among local fans of the beautiful game. FIFA had already announced the cheapest seat for group-stage matches is expected to start at $60 (U.S.) with prices rising the closer you get to the pitch — and to the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where face value will be $6,730.

The ticket process is rolling out in phases. From Sept. 10 to 19, fans can register for a shot at the first draw. Those selected will receive details on how to buy up to four tickets per match to a maximum of 10 dates, starting Sept. 29. Up to one million tickets will be sold worldwide in this initial phase, which is limited to Visa card-holders.

The World Cup draw, however, isn’t until Dec. 5. So, in this phase, fans won’t know the matchups for the games they’re buying tickets for.

Supporters of the host nations at least have some idea. Canada will be playing someone on June 12 at BMO Field, then in Vancouver on June 18 and June 24.

There will be another window for ticket registration in late October, then more chances after the December draw.

“Some folks are able to enjoy a World Cup match at a $60 price point, while others can go higher,” said Marin. “The discussions that we had was looking at what’s comparable from other sports. I don’t believe there’s a $60 ticket for the Maple Leafs, so we took all these things into account to make sure we can have a global participation.”