Over 12 years, the price of the most expensive ticket has increased almost sevenfold. The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) is in charge of ticket sales. As The Athletic found out, the tickets are divided into four categories. The cheapest – the fourth category – cost $60 and allow you to visit the matches of the group stage. The most expensive tickets of the first category will cost $6,730 for fans wishing to attend the final of the Mundial.
As the championship approaches, ticket prices will increase as FIFA has announced the introduction of a “flexible system” to increase prices as demand increases. The current prices are in effect for the pre-order phase, which will determine who will be eligible to purchase 1 million tickets – roughly 15% of the total. Each fan who becomes eligible through a lottery will be able to purchase up to 40 tickets, but no more than four per match.
FIFA’s pricing policy has received a barrage of criticism from fans. The organization was quick to respond to comments about inflated prices and said it was “focused on ensuring fair access to matches.” “A price from $60 for group stage matches has been proposed, which is a very competitive offer for such a major global sporting event,” FIFA stressed.
Compared to past tournaments, ticket prices have increased significantly. Thus, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the most expensive tickets cost $1,607, that is four times less than at the upcoming Mundial. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the highest ticket price was $1,100, and four years earlier in Brazil – $900. Thus, the price of the most expensive ticket has increased 6.7 times in 12 years.
The World Cup will be held in 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. For the first time 48 national teams will take part in the tournament.
