Fans called on FIFA to immediately stop the sale.
A new scandal has erupted around the 2026 World Cup. Fans went wild after ticket prices were revealed. It turned out that they significantly exceed the previously announced guidelines by FIFA and the USA.
From $4185 to finish
The first wave of criticism came after the price list was published by the German Football Association:
- Group stage matches – from 180 to 700 dollars.
- Semi-finals – from 920 to 1,125 dollars.
- Final – from 4,185 to 8,680 dollars.
The cheapest ticket is $180 for the Germany – Curacao match in Houston.
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Moreover, in the presented price list only three categories of tickets appear, while FIFA provides four.
Then the British got involved. According to information from the Football Association of England, a full set of tickets in the cheapest segment for all matches of the national team until the final will cost $7,020.
Photo source: Getty Images
Previously announced FIFA ticket prices
The released data sharply diverges from previous FIFA statements. It was previously stated that tickets for the group stage would start at $60.
Moreover, the US bid to host the tournament seven years ago stated the goal of offering hundreds of thousands of $21 tickets for the opening matches. And the full package to the finals in the most affordable category was supposed to cost $2,242.
The difference with previous World Cups is colossal. 1994 World Cup prices are adjusted for inflation.
| World Cup ticket price comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tournament | Minimum price | Maximum price |
| 1994 World Cup (USA) | $ 50-55 | $ 950-1000 |
| WC-2022 (Qatar) | $ 70 | $ 1600 |
| World Cup 2026 (USA) | $ 180 | $ 8680 |
This is the first time the organization has used dynamic pricing, which means ticket prices can change over time.
Fans’ reaction
Football Supporters Europe responded first. This is an independent pan-European organization representing the interests of football fans at the level of UEFA, FIFA and national federations.
Photo source: Getty Images
FSE representatives called the current pricing policy “robbery” and a “grand betrayal of the traditions of the World Cup.” In addition, the organization pointed out that prices for group stage matches do not appear to be based on a single standard, but based on “vague criteria”, including the perceived attractiveness of a particular match.
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Football Supporters Europe has called on FIFA to immediately suspend ticket sales through national associations until a solution is reached that respects the tradition, universality and cultural significance of the World Cup.
Then English organizations also got involved. For example, fans from the England Fans’ Embassy said it was a “slap in the face” to fans who support the national team outside of the quadrennial tournaments.
When and where will the 2026 World Cup take place?
Let us remind you that the upcoming World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19. For the first time, the World Championship will be held in three countries at once – the USA, Canada and Mexico. This will be the largest forum in history – 48 participants and 104 matches.
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