Yes, but can find creative routings for less.

We did 2010 WC in South Africa. Econ from US was marked up from $1600 to $4400. Egypt was not in the WC and poor, so we flew to JFK to Cairo for $1200, saw pyramids, then Cairo to JNB for $800.

However - there was AA Saver awards available 5 days before the US R16 match from MIA to Recife. But the Brazilian visa process has been a mess 3 weeks to obtain.