Is attending the North and Central American World Cup in person impossible? It is a structure where only FIFA makes money.
The national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will compete in Group A at the North and Central American World Cup, which opens in June, alongside the Czech Republic, Mexico and the Republic of South Africa.
The Korea vs. Mexico match on June 19 is one of the most popular matches at the North and Central American World Cup because the host Mexico's fate is at stake. If Korea struggles in the first match against the Czech Republic, there will be pressure that Korea must beat Mexico at all costs. Korea is scheduled to play its third match against South Africa at 10 a.m. on the 25th.
Many fans in Korea are planning to travel to Mexico to support the team. But getting tickets is like trying to grab a star from the sky. According to U.S. media Green Bay Gazette, tickets for the Korea vs. Mexico match are close to selling out. Currently listed tickets for the Korea vs. Mexico match start at $2,287 (about 3.38 million won).
FIFA has allowed ticket resales starting with this World Cup. Fans who secured tickets for the Mexico match can legally sell them to other fans at higher prices. FIFA takes a 15% fee from both buyers and sellers in this process.
Ultimately, truly football-loving fans are being harmed by FIFA's commercial tactics. On top of that, rising fuel surcharges have made overseas travel burdensome. It has become very difficult for Korean fans to travel all the way to Mexico to cheer for the Korean national team.
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