Fans have branded FIFA a “monumental betrayal” after the latest 2026 World Cup ticket prices were released on Thursday.
Ticket Prices Reveal a Sharp Rise
A list published by the German Football Association showed group‑stage tickets ranging from $180 to $700, while the lowest final‑stage price was $4,185 and the highest $8,680. Those figures clash with FIFA’s earlier claim that group‑stage seats would start at $60. When the United States bid for the tournament seven years ago, officials promised hundreds of thousands of $21 seats for the opening phase.
Fans and Supporter Groups Speak Out
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) called the current prices “extortionate” and issued a statement: “This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is.” The English Football Association also shared pricing data with the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC). The report showed that buying a ticket for every match through to the final would cost a fan just over $7,000.
FIFA’s Ticketing Structure and Dynamic Pricing
FIFA announced in September that tickets sold on its website would initially range from $60 for group‑stage games to $6,730 for the final. Those prices are subject to change as the governing body adopts dynamic pricing for the first time at a World Cup. FIFA offers tickets in four categories, with Category 1 seats the best. The German list, however, featured only three categories.
The lowest‑priced ticket on the German list was $180 for Germany’s opening group match against Curacao in Houston. For the semifinal, the lowest price was $920, rising to $1,125.
Calls to Halt Ticket Sales
FSE urged FIFA to immediately stop ticket sales through national associations “until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found.” The Associated Press reached out to FIFA for comment.
Random Selection Draw Begins
FIFA launched its third phase of widespread ticket sales on Thursday, allowing fans to apply for specific matches for the first time via a “Random Selection Draw.” An updated schedule was published after the draw, giving fans knowledge of when and where Lionel Messi and Argentina will play. Previous ballots were blind because the qualification period had not yet finished.
Participating nations are now placed in groups with their tournament paths determined. For example, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could meet in the quarterfinals in Kansas City if Argentina and Portugal top their respective groups.
Application Rules and Limits
The draw opened on December 11 at 11 a.m. ET and will close on January 13, 2026. FIFA says applications can be made at any time during this window, and the timing does not affect a fan’s chances. Each household may apply for a maximum of four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 tickets for the entire tournament.
A FIFA ID is required to apply, and applicants can choose which matches and pricing category to request. Successful applicants will receive email notification in February and be charged automatically.
Historical Pricing Context
The last U.S. World Cup in 1994 saw ticket prices range from $25 to $475. In Qatar 2022, prices ranged from around $70 to $1,600 when details were announced. The final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 is already selling for over $11,000 on secondary resale sites.
FIFA has created its own resale platform for this tournament, charging a 15% fee based on the total resale price. FIFA also stated that any remaining tickets will go on general sale on a first‑come, first‑served basis closer to the tournament, though no release timeframe was provided.
Key Takeaways
- German list shows group‑stage tickets $180–$700; final $4,185–$8,680.
- FIFA’s earlier $60 group‑stage claim conflicts with current pricing.
- Fans face over $7,000 to attend all matches; dynamic pricing introduces uncertainty.
- FSE calls for a halt to national‑association sales until a fair solution is found.
- The Random Selection Draw opens Dec. 11 and closes Jan. 13, 2026.
The 2026 World Cup ticketing saga highlights growing tension between FIFA’s pricing strategy and the expectations of supporters worldwide. As the tournament approaches, fans and governing bodies alike await clarity on how the remaining tickets will be released and whether the dynamic pricing model will deliver a fair experience for all.
Key Takeaways
- German list shows group‑stage tickets $180–$700; final $4,185–$8,680.
- FIFA’s earlier $60 group‑stage claim conflicts with current pricing.
- Fans face over $7,000 to attend all matches; dynamic pricing introduces uncertainty.
- FSE calls for a halt to national‑association sales until a fair solution is found.
- The Random Selection Draw opens Dec. 11 and closes Jan. 13, 2026.
The 2026 World Cup ticketing saga highlights growing tension between FIFA’s pricing strategy and the expectations of supporters worldwide. As the tournament approaches, fans and governing bodies alike await clarity on how the remaining tickets will be released and whether the dynamic pricing model will deliver a fair experience for all.
