Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have sparked global outrage after some seats were listed for as high as $143,750 on FIFA’s official resale platform — more than 41 times the original ticket price.
The controversy unfolded after the main sales phase ended in January, and tickets began appearing on FIFA’s fan-to-fan resale site at vastly inflated prices.
A “category three” seat for the tournament’s opening match in Mexico City was listed at $5,324, compared with an original face value of $895.
One of the highest-priced listings was for the World Cup final on 19th July 2026 at East Rutherford, New Jersey, where a ticket was advertised at $143,750, up from its original price of $3,450.
Even the cheapest available ticket for that match on the resale platform was $9,775.
Some fans have welcomed FIFA’s creation of limited lower-priced seats at about $60 to support loyal followers, but many argue this solution does little to address the wider pricing issues.
Critics and pundits say high costs reflect resellers driving prices up, rather than FIFA itself, though the governing body facilitates the resale market and takes a fee.
“These exorbitant prices unfortunately don’t surprise me,” said Guillaume Aupretre, spokesman for French supporters group Irresistibles Français. “In the end, who pays the price? The passionate fans who end up with outrageous offers.”
Despite criticism, FIFA has said the ticket model “reflects existing market practice” in major North American sporting events and stressed it is working to ensure “fair access to our game” for fans everywhere.
Fans worldwide have expressed frustration, warning that soaring ticket costs risk pricing out ordinary supporters from football’s flagship event.
