Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are witnessing unprecedented demand, with prices climbing sharply as the countdown to kick-off gathers pace.
With just 100 days to go before the tournament begins across the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA has already released nearly seven million tickets for the expanded 48-team competition, which will feature 104 matches.
Fans are permitted to buy up to four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 across the tournament.
About two million tickets were snapped up during the initial lottery held in October.
FIFA disclosed that a second sales window in December and January generated a staggering 508 million ticket requests, underlining the global appetite for the event.
Among the most sought-after fixtures are the Group K decider between Colombia and Portugal in Miami on June 27, co-hosts Mexico versus South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, and the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
However, the soaring demand has pushed prices far beyond early projections. Supporters’ body Football Supporters Europe pointed out that the North American bid initially suggested tickets could start from as low as $21.
Instead, the lowest available tickets have been priced at $60, including for the Group J opener between Austria and Jordan at Levi’s Stadium.
For high-profile clashes involving top nations, most seats cost no less than $200.
The final’s entry-level tickets begin at $2,000, while premium seats are listed at $8,680. On FIFA’s official resale platform, a category three seat for the final was recently advertised at an eye-watering $143,750, more than 40 times its original face value of $3,450.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing structure, citing intense demand and the concept of dynamic pricing, particularly in the United States.
“Prices will go up or down depending on the match,” he explained.
In response to criticism, FIFA introduced a limited $60 ticket category reserved for supporters of qualified teams.
These account for only 10 per cent of each national federation’s allocation. Hospitality bundles are also on offer, including VIP lounge access.
For example, France’s group-stage encounter with Senegal in New Jersey on June 16 is available in packages ranging from $2,900 to $4,500.
More tickets are expected to be released from April on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meanwhile, resale remains largely unregulated in the United States and Canada, allowing sellers to set their own prices.
In Mexico, reselling above face value is banned only if the ticket was originally purchased within the country.
Prices on secondary markets have continued to rise. A category three seat for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11 was recently listed at $5,324, compared to its original $895 price tag. Other resale platforms such as SeatGeek and StubHub are offering slightly lower rates.
Beyond match tickets, travelling fans must also budget for additional expenses. Parking for a group-stage fixture in Atlanta costs $100, while spaces in Los Angeles can reach $300.
For supporters unable to secure tickets, Fan Festivals will be staged across the 16 host cities.
Kansas City’s Fan Fest is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, while New York’s fan zone at the US Open venue in Flushing Meadows will host up to 10,000 visitors between June 17 and 28.
With demand showing no signs of slowing, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most commercially successful and expensive, editions in history.
