New York: FIFA has significantly increased the price of the most expensive tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, raising the top category to $10,990, a sharp rise from the $1,600 charged for the priciest seats at the 2022 final in Qatar.
The adjustment came as the world governing body reopened ticket sales on Wednesday for the final and select group-stage matches, following the completion of the 48-team lineup for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The highest-category tickets for the July 19 final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium now stand at $10,990, up from $8,680 set after December’s draw. Category 2 tickets have risen to $7,380 from $5,575, while Category 3 tickets increased to $5,785 from $4,185.
FIFA is applying a dynamic pricing model for the expanded tournament, which features 104 matches across three host nations. Tickets for the final and 17 group-stage encounters were made available in this latest sales phase, with fans able to select specific seats for the first time rather than requesting by category.
The sales process encountered technical issues, with some users reporting long delays and glitches on the FIFA website, including being redirected to queues intended for supporters of recently qualified teams. FIFA later confirmed the links were functioning correctly.
Be there when it happens.
Last-Minute Sales for #FIFAWorldCup tickets are now available! ️
🎟️ Tickets are available now on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. All ticket sales are final. Terms apply.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2026
The move has drawn criticism from fans and lawmakers, who argue that the pricing strategy undermines the sport’s accessibility. In a letter last month, 69 Democratic members of the US Congress told FIFA President Gianni Infantino that dynamic pricing contrasts with the organisation’s stated mission to promote inclusive football development, potentially making the 2026 edition the most financially exclusive World Cup to date.
FIFA has introduced a Supporter Entry Tier priced at $60 per ticket, available through national federations for loyal fans, in response to earlier feedback. After the draw, general ticket prices ranged from $140 upwards, with additional lower-priced options added for supporters.
Infantino had previously noted the overwhelming demand, describing ticket requests as equivalent to “1,000 years of World Cups at once.” FIFA also operates an official resale platform, charging a 15 percent fee to both buyers and sellers.
The 2026 tournament is billed as the largest and most global in World Cup history, spanning 48 teams and multiple venues. Ticket releases are expected to continue on a rolling basis in the lead-up to the event.
This latest development comes amid ongoing debates over affordability as football’s flagship competition prepares to return to North America.
