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The 2026 World Cup final became the most expensive match in history as FIFA raised prices in the fourth and final phase of ticket sales in April.
The upcoming World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has already come under significant criticism for the high ticket prices in comparison to previous editions of the competition.
However, during the final phase of ticket sales which opened in April 2026, prices reached record highs, with the World Cup final even becoming the most expensive game in the history of the sport.
FIFA raise World Cup final ticket prices
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Following the completion of the 2026 World Cup in December 2025, FIFA made tickets available for the final of the tournament, with its top tickets priced at $8,680 (£6,581).
These category 1one tickets underwent an astonishing 38% increase in the fourth and final phase of ticket sales in April, with the price rising to a staggering $10,990 (£8,333) for fans to see who is crowned champions on July 19.
Category two tickets for the final also increased to $7,380 (£5,596), with category three tickets priced at $5,785 (£4,386).
The most recent prices mark a significant increase from the highest-priced tickets at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the most expensive tickets for the clash between Argentina and France in the final set at $1,604 (£1,214).
As a result of the major price hike, FIFA have once again gone against their initial promise made to limit ticket prices to a maximum of $1,550 (£1,174) when the three co-hosts first launched their bid to host the 2026 competition.
FGG Says: Fans are being increasingly ignored in favour of profits
Football is increasingly ignoring and sidelining fans in favour of maximising profits, and FIFA's prices only reinforce that the beautiful game is no longer about the supporters.
The average fan is unlikely to be able to reasonably justify paying the extortionate prices for tickets at the World Cup final, meaning more tickets may end up in the hands of corporate buyers.
As a result, there could be a shift away from the passionate supporters that help create the vibrant atmospheres seen at past World Cups, all so that those in charge can make as much money as possible.