The 2026 World Cup is officially underway across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the biggest tournament in history. Houston, Texas, is one of the host cities, with seven matches scheduled to take place. Local authorities expect to attract approximately 500,000 visitors and generate an economic boost of $1.5 billion. However, the reality on the ground is proving challenging. Some hotels in the city remain half empty despite the high expectations. Many fans have expressed frustration, claiming that soaring ticket prices have made the tournament unaffordable. This situation highlights a gap between the economic goals and the accessibility of the event. Reports from France 24 indicate that the ongoing pricing issues are deterring potential spectators.