Ticombo warns fans on World Cup ticket fraud risks

Ticombo has warned Canadian football fans about the risks of buying World Cup tickets through unverified online channels, as resale prices on its platform average more than CAD $600 in both Toronto and Vancouver.

Demand around the tournament is pushing up prices and increasing the risk of fraud. Buyers are being urged to avoid unverified fan-to-fan groups, social media listings and other sources that do not screen sellers before tickets are listed.

Company data shows a clear gap between Canadian prices and broader North American resale activity. As of early April, the average World Cup ticket price across North America on the platform was CAD $1,303.70, compared with CAD $605.17 in Toronto and CAD $652.35 in Vancouver.

The figures also highlight differences between the two host cities. Tickets listed for Vancouver were 7.8 per cent more expensive than those in Toronto, while transaction volumes were higher in Toronto.

The most expensive World Cup ticket sold on the platform reached CAD $19,769.49. In Canada, the highest-priced ticket sold through the marketplace was CAD $648.37.

Price patterns

The figures suggest team demand is shaping resale values. Brazil recorded the highest number of tickets sold among the top 10 FIFA teams on the marketplace, while Mexico matches had the highest average ticket price.

Average prices varied widely by team. Tickets for USA matches averaged CAD $1,636.46, followed by Brazil at CAD $1,331.06, England at CAD $1,121.82, Colombia at CAD $1,104.12, Argentina at CAD $985.01, Croatia at CAD $910.98, Germany at CAD $902.93, Spain at CAD $857.86, France at CAD $812.80 and the Netherlands at CAD $684.04.

For Canada matches, average resale prices reflected the same city-level split: CAD $605.17 in Toronto and CAD $652.35 in Vancouver.

Canadian authorities have already warned fans to stay alert to fraud in the run-up to the tournament. Ticombo repeated that advice, urging buyers to check pricing transparency, seller identity and fulfilment terms before completing a purchase.

Ticombo operates a marketplace where organisers, resellers and private individuals can sell or resell event tickets. Buyers can view seller details on each listing, and listings appear only after review.

Purchases are also covered by its TixProtect refund programme if tickets do not arrive on time, do not match the order, are invalid for entry, or if an event is cancelled and not rescheduled.

"Transparency in ticketing is not only about displaying the final price, but also about ensuring the ticket details and full cost structure are clear and easy for users to understand," said Peter Savovsky, Chief Operating Officer, Ticombo. "For a high-demand event like the World Cup, trust is built on consistency and a straightforward purchase experience-not one that leaves users frustrated."