Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have reached unprecedented levels on the organization’s official resale platform, with fans expressing surprise as listings climb far above face value.
A “category three” seat for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium is priced at $5,324, more than five times its original $895 cost. But the most striking figure comes from the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where one ticket is being advertised for $143,750, over 41 times its $3,450 face value. Even the cheapest resale option for the final stands at $9,775.
While a handful of tickets have dropped below their original price — such as Austria vs. Jordan at Levi’s Stadium, listed at $552 compared to $620- the overwhelming trend has been skyrocketing costs. Fan groups have condemned the practice, calling it a betrayal of supporters. Guillaume Aupretre of France’s “Irresistible Francais” supporters group said, “In the end, who pays the price? The passionate fans who end up with outrageous offers.”
Despite the backlash, demand remains intense, with FIFA reporting 500 million ticket requests. The governing body insists it only facilitates resale transactions, charging a 15% fee, while sellers set prices. FIFA argues the model reflects global entertainment market practices, though critics say it undermines fair access.
Resale rules vary across host nations: the U.S. and Canada leave the market unregulated, while Mexico bans resale above face value only when tickets are purchased locally in pesos. Fan groups across Europe and beyond have accused FIFA of a “monumental betrayal,” prompting the body to release a limited batch of $60 tickets for official supporters groups — a move many say barely addresses the problem.
With a final “last-minute” sales phase set to run from April until the end of the tournament, FIFA maintains that its pricing is “variable” but not “dynamic,” meaning prices shift with demand but are not automatically adjusted.
