⏳ Reading Time: 5 minutesWho hasn’t felt, at least once, like they were at the centre of the world? A major concert, a packed stadium, a sporting event watched by millions on television, experienced live from just a few metres away. What lingers long after the final whistle or the encore is the unforgettable feeling of being among the relatively few people at the very heart of the spectacle. For a few hours, it can seem as though nobody else on Earth could possibly be enjoying a better show.
Attending events like these has never been easy or cheap. Yet with some planning, sacrifice and a bit of luck, it was never entirely out of reach. Whether it was a World Cup match, a Grand Slam final or a sold-out concert, these were experiences that many fans could realistically aspire to.
Now imagine a different world. A world in which the best events are reserved for a class of ultra-wealthy individuals willing to pay sums equivalent to several months’ salary for many people. If that sounds dystopian, it may not comfort you to know that this is increasingly the direction some major events appear to be taking. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, provides a striking example.
