Ticket prices for the United States' FIFA World Cup Round of 16 showdown against Belgium have dropped significantly in recent days, despite renewed demand after the Americans secured their place in the knockout stage.
The match remains one of the most expensive fixtures of the Round of 16, second only to Mexico's meeting with England.
Ticket prices fall after early surge
The entry price for Monday's World Cup match in Seattle reached nearly $4,000 on June 1, according to ticket-tracking service TicketData.com.
After falling to $1,549 on Tuesday, prices briefly climbed to $2,836 after the United States confirmed their place in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, demand eased again over the following days.
By Saturday afternoon, the cheapest available ticket had dropped to $1,423, representing a 32% decline over three days. Prices later recovered slightly to $1,635 by 6 p.m. Eastern Time (2300 GMT).
Second-most expensive round of 16 match
The late increase pushed the USA-Belgium fixture back to the second-highest ticket price among all eight Round of 16 matches.
According to TicketData.com, the latest entry prices were:
| Match | Date & Venue | Lowest Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico vs England | July 5 – Mexico City | $3,574 |
| USA vs Belgium | July 6 – Seattle | $1,635 |
| Argentina vs Egypt | July 7 – Atlanta | $1,599 |
| Brazil vs Norway | July 5 – New Jersey | $1,537 |
| Portugal vs Spain | July 6 – Dallas | $1,367 |
| Switzerland vs Colombia | Vancouver | $972 |
| Paraguay vs France | July 4 – Philadelphia | $914 |
| Canada vs Morocco | July 4 – Houston | $721 |
Prices are based on TicketData.com figures as of 6 p.m. ET on July 4.
The decline in ticket prices has surprised observers, given Belgium's strong local connection to Seattle.
The Red Devils established their base camp at the Sounders FC Performance Center, located about 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of Seattle Stadium.
Monday's knockout match will be Belgium's third appearance in Seattle after drawing 1-1 with Egypt during the group stage and defeating Senegal 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 32 comeback.
Ticket prices also declined for Saturday's Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco.
The cheapest ticket for that fixture fell 14%, dropping from $838 during the final 72 hours before kickoff.
Canada became the first team eliminated from the Round of 16 after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco.
