FIFA has announced ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, starting at $60 for the cheapest group stage seats and reaching up to $6,730 for the most expensive finals tickets. Officials stated that “variable pricing” will be employed, meaning ticket prices can change based on demand and inventory levels before and after the World Cup draw on December 5.
The sales process begins with a lottery phase on September 10, allowing fans to apply for tickets using a Visa card, with potential options for up to 40 matches. A second phase will follow from late October to early December, without Visa restrictions. Pricing categories will be established, with Category 1 being the most expensive and Category 4 the cheapest, though specific prices for categories 1-3 in the group stage are yet to be determined.
FIFA emphasizes the need for dynamic pricing to maximize attendance and revenue, expecting to earn over $3 billion from ticket and hospitality sales. An estimated 1 million tickets will be available in the initial phase, with 8.5 million fans expressing interest.
FIFA will also launch its own resale platform for North America, aiming to avoid profit-driven resales seen in previous tournaments. However, resale regulations will differ in Mexico to comply with local laws. Critics argue that while dynamic pricing may benefit FIFA, it may hinder access for less affluent fans and encourage scalping.
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
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