Warm Up Friendly Options

World Cup tickets are currently out of hand, but there is an alternative to waiting around and hoping ticket prices fall (like I am). Teams participating in the World Cup will likely be playing games as they warm up and get acclimated to the environment and their team, through a series of matches that are happening across the country leading up to the World Cup. They are technically friendlies, so expect rotated squads and lower intensity, but it could be a great way to see some affordable matches and get the vibes of the World Cup without the cost. For American sports fans, think Preseason. They’re also generally all at stadiums that aren’t hosting World Cup matches, so it may bring potential opportunities for more people.

Most of these matches will be happening at the beginning of June, but there may be a handful in May. I’ll keep the list below as updated as possible. Some of the tickets have already been released for these, others are still TBD, so you should be able to sign up for notifications to get into the presales. I’ve seen get-in prices below $100, so this could be a great way to feel closer to the game without breaking the bank. Besides, at some of the World Cup prices, I can’t imagine you’ll even have a good time. Like imagine how much more fun it would be just going to your local bar and buying everyone a drink. You’d earn a lot more clout and karma too.

Anyway, check out this company which seems to be specifically scheduling games. One was even added while I was writing this. England has their own website to sign up. It seems many of the tickets will start presales this week (week of 4/14), that said… they are friendlies, so I don’t think prices will get as inflated, but perhaps given the inaccessibility of the World Cup proper, maybe they will. I’m no fortune teller.

I’ve highlighted in yellow anything that is in the New York area. We have three already listed for the inconveniently located Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ (it really isn’t that bad, but last time I tried to go there, the PATH was shut down and our shuttle bus driver got lost and went to Newark instead, and eventually gave up and made us walk).

• May, 30th - Ecuador v. Saudi Arabia

  • Use presale code ECUFAN, get-in price is $82.30

• June 6th - Scotland v. Bolivia*

  • Use presale code RT26JUNE, get-in price is $82.30

• June 7th - Norway v. Morocco

*not in the World Cup