When the U.S.men’s national soccer team plays at home, its most loyal fans traditionally sit right behind a goal to cheer on the team or intimidate the opposition.
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.But when the Americans kick off a once-in-a-generation World Cup in Southern California next week, many of those die-hard supporters may be harder to hear because FIFA seated them in the “nose bleeds,” according to a major U.S.fan group.“These are the worst tickets that I’ve ever seen out of the five World Cups I’ve been to,” American Outlaws President Brian Hexsel said in a phone interview.
FIFA’s World Cup ticketing rollout has faced withering criticism for months, particularly for its sky-high prices.There have also been allegations that some ticket buyers got worse seats than expected, sparking investigations in New York and New Jersey.
In the blowback, soccer’s global governing body announced a small allotment of $60 tickets for each of the tournament’s 104 matches.FIFA didn’t immediately comment for this article.Cristian Roldan, center, and the U.S.
team applaud fans after their loss to Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28.Kevin C.Cox / Getty ImagesParticipating member associations, including U.S.
Soccer, would manage “the selection and distribution process,” said FIFA, which emphasized it was asking the associations to “ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.”The American Outlaws are such fans.The organization says it has more than 200 chapters worldwide sharing one goal: cheering on U.S.
Soccer’s teams.The group travels to matches with hand-painted banners, a giant American flag, drums and organized chants — all of it typically on display right behind the net.But this summer, American Outlaws members with $60 tickets will be in upper decks at each of the team’s three g...