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SoccerFeature
World Cup comes to 'Soccer Town USA,' but locals priced out
TL;DR
Residents of Kearny, New Jersey, are struggling to afford tickets for the upcoming World Cup, despite the town's soccer enthusiasm. Many locals express disappointment over the high prices associated with the FIFA tournament.
Key points
- Kearny, New Jersey, is known as 'Soccer Town USA'.
- Residents are priced out of attending World Cup games.
- High ticket prices are a major concern for local fans.
- The town has a rich soccer history.
- Many locals express disappointment over affordability.
Mentioned in this story
Kearny
World Cup
Many in the US town of Kearny say the World Cup is unaffordable for them (Leonardo MUNOZ)
(Leonardo MUNOZ/None/AFP)
Anthony Duro had hoped the World Cup coming to his soccer-mad New Jersey town would mean watching games at nearby MetLife Stadium, but sky-high ticket prices are beyond his budget.
The 20-year-old is one of many people in the industrial suburb of Kearny, nicknamed "Soccer Town USA" for its footballing history, priced out by the FIFA tournament facing criticism over soaring costs.
"It's annoying because it would be nice to go to see a country play here, especially since I live so close to the stadium," Duro told AFP at a soccer field flanked by a scrapyard and warehouses.
"For me, it's ridiculous," the goalkeeper added, taking a break from palming away shots struck by friends wearing colorful Brazil and Barcelona jerseys.
The most expensive face value ticket for the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium is more than $30,000 -- well above the peak of around $1,600 for the 2022 final. Standard tickets ranged from about $2,800 to almost $4,200 initially, but now resale for almost $11,000.
Fan groups have erupted over the costs: Football Supporters Europe labeled the World Cup pricing structure a "monumental betrayal."
Even President Donald Trump has said he would not pay the $1,000-plus ticket cost for the United States' first World Cup match.
Finance student Duro, like others priced out in Kearny, will instead be watching the tournament from his home -- around seven miles from the MetLife.
- 'Extravagant prices' -
Unlike other US towns, soccer is the dominant sport in Kearny, mostly due to Scottish and Irish immigrants who transplanted the game in the late 1800s as they arrived for factory jobs.
Since then Kearny's youth system has produced three US men's national team players including Tony Meola, and the hilly town of 40,000 people boasts its role in promoting US soccer.
Many locals are frustrated to be watching the world's biggest footballing competition from the sidelines.
"Soccer is supposed to bring people together," said Sean McDonald, a member of the Scots American Club, which is linked to the historic Kearny Scots soccer team founded in 1895.
Q&A
Why are Kearny residents unable to afford World Cup tickets?
Kearny residents are facing unaffordable ticket prices for the World Cup, which has led to disappointment among local soccer fans.
What is Kearny, New Jersey known for in relation to soccer?
Kearny is nicknamed 'Soccer Town USA' due to its rich footballing history and strong local soccer culture.
How are ticket prices for the World Cup affecting local fans in Kearny?
The soaring ticket prices for the World Cup are pricing out many local fans, preventing them from attending matches at nearby MetLife Stadium.
What criticism is the World Cup facing regarding its costs?
The World Cup is facing criticism for its high costs, which are making it difficult for local residents in Kearny to participate in the event.
