Soccer fans are furious after FIFA revealed ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, with costs far exceeding early promises. Critics have called the pricing a “monumental betrayal” of loyal supporters.
FIFA reserves 8% of tickets for national associations to sell to local fans. But the German Football Federation’s list shows group-stage tickets ranging from $180 to $700, while final match tickets cost between $4,185 and $8,680.
These figures are a sharp contrast to FIFA’s previous claims of $60 tickets, and far from the $21 seats U.S. officials aimed to offer during the 2017 bid. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) slammed the prices as “extortionate,” warning that they undermine the World Cup’s tradition.
Fans Could Spend Over $7,000 for Full Tournament Access
The England Supporters Travel Club received ticket pricing from the English FA, showing that buying tickets to every game through to the final could top $7,000.
FIFA has introduced dynamic pricing for the first time, with starting prices listed at $60 for group matches and $6,730 for the final.
The best seats, Category 1, carry the highest costs, while the German federation’s list only shows three categories. Germany’s opening game against Curacao starts at $180, with semifinal tickets priced from $920 to $1,125.
FSE has demanded FIFA pause ticket sales via national associations until a “solution that respects the tradition and cultural significance of the World Cup” is found.
Third Phase of Ticket Sales Opens as Fans Eye Messi vs Ronaldo Matches
FIFA opened the third phase of ticket sales on Thursday, letting fans apply for specific matches through its “Random Selection Draw.”
This follows the full tournament draw, placing teams in groups and revealing potential matchups, including a possible quarterfinal clash between Messi’s Argentina and Ronaldo’s Portugal in Kansas City.
Ticket applications run from December 11, 11 a.m. ET (1600 GMT) to January 13, 2026. Fans can request up to four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 tickets for the tournament. FIFA says the timing of the application will not affect chances of success.