World Cup Final Ticket Prices Soar, Fans Decry ‘Monumental Betrayal’
The ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have significantly increased on FIFA’s official resale platform. Many tickets are now listed at several times their original prices, even though the majority were recently distributed after the main sales phase concluded in January.
Skyrocketing Prices for World Cup Tickets
Weeks after FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned fans about the inflated costs on resale sites, these predictions have become a reality. For the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, a “category three” seat at the iconic Azteca Stadium is priced at $5,324, a stark rise from the original $895.
Final Game Ticket Prices
The situation escalates further for the World Cup final. One category three seat is being offered for an astounding $143,750, over 41 times the original price of $3,450. The least expensive ticket available for the final stands at $9,775.
Mixed Price Trends in Resale Market
While most prices have soared, a few tickets have actually decreased in price. For example, a ticket for Austria’s group game against Jordan is listed at $552, lower than its initial cost of $620.
Fan Reactions to Price Hikes
- Fan groups have expressed outrage over the rising ticket costs, calling it a “monumental betrayal” by FIFA.
- Guillaume Aupretre, spokesperson for the France national team supporters group “Irresistibles Francais,” criticized the resale market’s impact on genuine fans.
- With approximately 500 million ticket requests submitted, sales are still brisk despite the high prices.
FIFA’s Position on Resale Practices
According to FIFA, they serve only as a facilitator in the resale process, charging a 15% fee and stating that resellers set the prices. While FIFA aims for fair access to their events, the resale market remains largely unregulated, especially in the United States and Canada.
Concerns Over Reselling Regulations
- In Mexico, resale above face value is illegal when tickets are purchased in the local currency.
- FIFA’s introduction of a limited number of tickets priced at $60 for official supporters groups has faced criticism for being insufficient.
- The final sales phase will run from April until the tournament’s conclusion, utilizing a first-come, first-served approach.
Despite FIFA’s commitment to providing fair pricing, the drastic ticket price hikes have sparked heated discussions among football fans, raising questions about the organization’s transparency and fairness in ticketing practices.
