FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices: Complete Cost Breakdown [$60-$6,730]
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the most expensive World Cup in history. This guide breaks down every price you need to know before buying tickets.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It features 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. About 6.5 million tickets will be available for sale.
Ticket prices range from $60 for certain group stage matches to $6,730 for premium seats at the final. The reality is simple: you will likely pay much more than $60 for any ticket you buy.
How Much do Tickets Cost for FIFA World Cup 2026
Ticket prices range from $60 to $6,730. Most tickets will cost you $300 or more.
| Match Stage | Cheapest Ticket | Most Expensive Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | $60 | $620 |
| Round of 16 | $170 | $640 |
| Quarterfinals | Not listed | $1,690 |
| Semifinals | $420 | $2,780 |
| Final | $2,030 | $6,730 |
Important: The $60 tickets sold out in minutes. Very few people got them.
Understanding Ticket Categories
FIFA divides tickets into four categories based on seat location.
| Category | Seat Location | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Lower bowl near midfield | $410 – $6,730 | Most common |
| Category 2 | Upper levels along sidelines | Mid-range | Available |
| Category 3 | Upper sections behind goals | Lower cost | Available |
| Category 4 | Upper corners | $60 – $105 | Almost gone |
What Each Category Offers
Category 1 offers the best seats in the lower bowl near midfield. These tickets cost the most money. Prices range from $410 to $6,730 depending on the match.
Category 2 seats sit in the upper levels along the sidelines. They provide decent views at lower prices than Category 1.
Category 3 tickets place you in upper sections behind the goals. These seats cost less but still give you the full stadium experience.
Category 4 represents the cheapest option at $60 to $105. These seats are in the upper corners of stadiums. The problem is simple: hardly any Category 4 tickets exist. They sold out almost instantly during the first sale phase.
Important: Most available tickets fall into Categories 1 and 2. You should plan to spend several hundred dollars per ticket at minimum.
World Cup Opening Match Prices
Opening matches cost much more than regular group games. The USA opening match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the most expensive. Tickets run from $1,120 to $2,735. This high price reflects the massive demand to see the host nation play.
| Host Nation | Venue | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Estadio Azteca | $745 – $1,825 |
| Canada | Toronto | $355 – $1,745 |
| USA | SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) | $1,120 – $2,735 |
Why Opening Matches Cost More:
- You know exactly which teams are playing
- Host nation games have huge demand
- Premium stadiums add extra cost
- Limited ticket availability
Premium stadiums charge more across the board. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco consistently rank as the priciest venues.
World Cup Group Stage Match Prices
Standard group stage matches start at $60 for the rare Category 4 seats. Category 1 seats for these matches cost $410 to $620.
Opening matches cost much more than regular group games. Mexico’s opening match at Estadio Azteca ranges from $745 to $1,825. Canada’s opener in Toronto costs $355 to $1,745.
The USA opening match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the most expensive. Tickets run from $1,120 to $2,735. This high price reflects the massive demand to see the host nation play.
Premium stadiums charge more across the board. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco consistently rank as the priciest venues.
World Cup Knockout Stage Prices
Prices increase dramatically as the tournament progresses.
Round of 16 matches cost $185 to $640. This represents a significant jump from group stage pricing.
Quarterfinal tickets reach up to $1,690 at top venues like SoFi Stadium. Only eight matches happen at this stage so demand pushes prices higher.
Semifinal tickets range from $420 to $2,780. AT&T Stadium in Texas charges $2,780 for Category 1 seats. Category 2 seats at semifinals cost nearly $2,000 and sold out quickly in the first sale.
The final match at MetLife Stadium on July 19 features the highest prices. The cheapest seat costs $2,030. Premium Category 1 seats reach $6,730. These final tickets cost four times more than the most expensive tickets at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Which Cities Are Cheapest?
Some cities cost less than others.
Most Expensive Cities:
- New York area (MetLife Stadium)
- Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
- San Francisco area (Levi’s Stadium)
More Affordable Cities:
- Houston (lowest USA prices)
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Monterrey, Mexico
- Vancouver, Canada
Money-Saving Tip: Choose a less expensive city. You get the same World Cup experience for less money.
Dynamic Pricing Explained
FIFA uses dynamic pricing for the first time in World Cup history. This system changes ticket prices based on real-time demand.
Prices work like airline tickets or concert seats. Popular matchups will see prices increase. Less popular games might drop in price.
The 2025 Club World Cup provides a good example. Tickets for a semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense dropped from $474 to just $13 within days. The game featured lower demand than expected.
This system creates uncertainty. You cannot know the final price until you complete your purchase. Popular teams like Brazil, Argentina or England will drive prices up fast. Lesser-known matchups might offer surprise deals.
FIFA says dynamic pricing helps fill stadiums and balance revenue goals. Critics argue it creates confusion and unfairness for fans.
How to Buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
Three more chances remain to buy tickets through official channels.
Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw opens for registration from October 27 to 31, 2025. Purchase windows run from mid-November to early December. This phase is open to everyone. You do not need a Visa card to enter the lottery.
Phase 3: Random Selection Draw begins after the December 5, 2025 World Cup draw. This phase lets you apply for specific matches. You will know which teams play where before buying. This option works best for fans targeting particular games or teams.
Phase 4: First-Come First-Served happens closer to the tournament in 2026. Only leftover tickets will be available. These tickets will likely sell out within minutes or even seconds.
What You Need to Buy Tickets:
You need a FIFA ID to buy tickets. Create one at FIFA.com/tickets. You must be 18 years old or older. All purchases require a Visa card for payment.
Each person can buy up to 4 tickets per match. The total limit across the entire tournament is 40 tickets per person.
Your next action step is clear: register for the Phase 2 lottery between October 27 and 31, 2025.
Other Ways to Get FIFA 2026 Tickets
Several alternatives exist beyond the regular lottery system.
Comparison of Ticket Options
| Option | Starting Price | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Packages | $1,350 | Guaranteed tickets | Skip lottery, VIP experience | Very expensive |
| American Airlines Miles | 75,000 miles | Mile holders | Use points | Need many miles |
| Verizon Promotions | Free | Verizon customers | No cost | Limited availability |
| Official Resale | Variable | Missed sales | Safe platform | 15% fee, high prices |
Hospitality Packages
Hospitality packages guarantee you a ticket plus premium extras.
Package Options:
| Package Type | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Single Match | $1,350+ | Ticket, food, drinks, VIP lounge |
| Follow Your Team | $6,750+ | All group matches plus knockout |
| Venue Series | $8,275+ | All matches at one venue |
| MetLife Premium | $3,500 – $73,200 | 8 matches including final |
Hospitality costs much more than regular tickets. The benefit is simple: you skip the lottery and get guaranteed entry.
American Airlines Miles
American Airlines AAdvantage members can use miles to buy tickets.
Mile Requirements:
- Group stage: 75,000 miles
- Knockout rounds: 200,000-500,000 miles
- Final: 965,000 miles
This option works well only for people with large mile balances.
Verizon Free Tickets
Verizon customers receive access to complimentary tickets and exclusive promotions.
What’s Available:
- Thousands of free tickets in October 2025
- 200 on-field experiences in November 2025
- Additional promotions throughout 2025-2026
Check the Verizon app regularly for announcements.
FIFA Official Resale Platform
FIFA’s official resale platform provides the only safe way to buy resold tickets.
Key Details:
- FIFA charges 15% commission to buyers
- FIFA charges 15% commission to sellers
- Total fee: 30% on each transaction
- Current prices: Some tickets over $10,000
Warning: Stay away from third-party sellers and websites like StubHub. These carry high fraud risk. Only use official FIFA channels to protect yourself.
Stay away from third-party sellers and websites like StubHub. These carry high fraud risk. Only use official FIFA channels to protect yourself.
How to Get the Cheapest World Cup Tickets 2026
You can reduce costs with smart planning.
Choose less expensive venues. Houston offers lower prices than coastal cities. Mexican cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey provide good value. Vancouver sits in the middle price range.
Target group stage matches instead of knockout rounds. Group games cost significantly less. You still get the authentic World Cup atmosphere.
Stop hoping for $60 tickets. They are essentially gone. Set your budget at $500 or more per ticket to avoid disappointment.
Wait for Phase 3 if you can. You will know which teams play where after the December 5 draw. This knowledge helps you make better choices about which matches to attend.
Consider Category 2 or 3 seats. The view might not be perfect but the experience remains incredible. You will save hundreds or thousands of dollars compared to Category 1.
Be realistic about total trip costs. Tickets represent just one expense. Add flights, hotels, food and local transportation. Most fans should budget $5,000 to $15,000 for the complete experience.
The Pricing Controversy
Many fans and organizations criticize FIFA’s pricing strategy.
The England Fans’ Embassy called prices “astonishing” and “unacceptable.” They calculated that following England from the group stage to the final would cost at least $3,180 for the cheapest available tickets.
Critics say FIFA is pricing out working-class fans. The World Cup risks becoming an event only wealthy people can attend. Some tickets already resell for $25,000 or more.
FIFA defends its approach. The organization states that pricing “reflects market practice” in North America. FIFA points out that group stage tickets start at $60. The organization also notes it operates as a not-for-profit and reinvests revenue into global soccer development.
The numbers tell the story. FIFA targets $13 billion in revenue for this tournament cycle. This compares to $7.6 billion for the Qatar 2022 cycle. Ticket sales provide a major revenue source.
One fact is certain: the 2026 World Cup is the most expensive in history.
Is It Worth the Cost?
This question has no universal answer. Your personal situation determines the value.
Buy tickets if you have $5,000 to $15,000 available without causing financial stress. Soccer fans who missed the 1994 USA World Cup should consider this a rare opportunity. The World Cup will not return to the United States for decades.
Skip it if your total budget sits below $3,000. The experience costs too much to enjoy on a tight budget. You will have a better time watching from home or at local viewing parties.
The intangible value matters. You cannot put a price on witnessing history or experiencing the global fan atmosphere. Memories from attending a World Cup last forever.
Weigh your passion for soccer against your financial reality. Only you can decide if the cost matches the value for your life.
What to Do Right Now
Take these actions right now to improve your chances.
Create your FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets today. Do not wait. The registration takes only a few minutes.
Mark your calendar for October 27 to 31, 2025. This is your registration window for Phase 2. Set multiple reminders so you do not miss it.
Set a realistic budget of $500 or more per ticket. Add all other travel expenses to see the true cost. Be honest about what you can afford.
Research alternative venues. Look at prices for Houston, Mexican cities and Canadian locations. These options might fit your budget better than premium USA stadiums.
Enable email notifications from FIFA. You need to know immediately when purchase windows open or when FIFA releases new information.
The bottom line is straightforward. Tickets cost a lot of money. The experience can be amazing. Only you can decide if the price matches the value. Make your choice based on facts instead of emotions. Good luck with the lottery.
