Nearly seven million tickets have gone on sale for the 2026 World Cup, many at exorbitant prices due to high demand, but the cost of fans’ stay in North America could skyrocket even further when additional expenses are included.
How many tickets?
According to FIFA (International Football Federation), almost seven million tickets were put on sale. Purchases per person are limited to four tickets per game and 40 for the entire tournament, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
More than two million tickets were purchased during the first phase of sales, held in October through a draw. The second period (December to January) was also based on a lottery system and attracted a record number of 508 million entries.
The most requested games were Colombia x Portugal (June 27 in Miami), Mexico x South Korea (June 18 in Guadalajara) and the final (July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey).
Prices through the roof…
For the biggest World Cup in history (48 teams, 104 games), FIFA created a variable price system for tickets, depending on the matches.
According to the FSE (Football Supporters Europe) association, the candidacy dossier promised tickets starting at US$21 (approximately R$110 at current prices), but the lowest price was set at US$60 (R$310), for Brazil x Haiti and Austria x Jordan.
Most tickets cost at least US$200 (around R$1,000) for the main teams’ games and US$2,000 (just over R$10,000) for the final in the cheapest category, while the best seats cost up to US$8,680 (almost R$45,000).
FIFA president Gianni Infantino attributed this increase to “the market”.
“In the United States, in particular, there is something called dynamic pricing, which causes prices to rise or fall depending on demand and the match schedule,” argued the manager.
Criticized for this pricing strategy, FIFA created a category of US$60 tickets reserved for members of fan associations, but this quota is limited.
For fans who can invest more, FIFA offers “packages” that combine tickets and reserved spaces (VIP room or lounge): for the France x Senegal duel, on June 16, in East Rutherford, the option costs between US$ 2,900 (R$ 15 thousand) and US$ 4,500 (R$ 23 thousand).
…and will increase even more
FIFA has reserved an undisclosed number of tickets that will be offered from April until the end of the competition for a last-minute sale.
Lastly, there are resale platforms, including the one managed by FIFA itself. This secondary market is free — each reseller sets their own price — in the United States and Canada, a system that further increases prices, which are already exclusive.
A seat at the top of the stands to watch Mexico x South Africa can cost from US$895 (R$4,600) to US$5,324 (R$27,000).
Additional expenses
In addition to the cost of access to stadiums, a significant portion of spectators also need to consider other expenses, such as air tickets, accommodation, food and urban transport.
Several stadiums are located far from the city center, and an on-site parking space can cost between US$75 (R$380) in Atlanta and US$300 (R$1,500) in Los Angeles.
For visitors who do not have an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), the bill also increases with a tourist visa, which can cost US$185 (R$950).
The alternatives
Fans traveling without a ticket will still be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the “Fan Festivals” that are expected to be organized in the 16 host cities.
The Kansas City stadium, where Argentina will make its debut on June 16 against Algeria, will be able to host up to 25,000 people for the six games scheduled in the city, as well as other matches in the tournament.
In New York, the US Open venues will be partially transformed into a fan zone with capacity for 10,000 people between June 17th and 28th. Unlike other fan zones, entry will be paid.
