2026 World Cup final ticket prices rocket to whopping five figures as FIFA opens “last-minute” sales

Fans hoping to secure last-minute tickets for the 2026 World Cup have been hit with another major shock.

And prices for the tournament's biggest matches have now reached unprecedented levels.

2026 World Cup tickets continue to soar ahead of the tournament

Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have surged again after FIFA reopened its “last-minute sales” phase, with the cost of attending the final now exceeding five figures.

A Category 1 ticket for the final at MetLife Stadium is now priced at a staggering $10,990 (£8,312), up sharply from previous phases where prices had already climbed steadily.

Even lower-tier tickets have seen dramatic increases, with Category 2 seats listed at $7,380 (£5,582) and Category 3 at $5,785 (£4,375), which is more than double their original release prices.

Fans attempting to buy tickets also reported long queues, technical issues, and confusion after some were mistakenly directed to the wrong sales portal before being forced to rejoin the queue.

Prices have also risen across multiple knockout fixtures, with semi-finals exceeding $3,000 (£2,270) and several group-stage matches increasing significantly compared to earlier sales phases.

FIFA’s use of dynamic pricing, which adjusts costs based on demand, has been a major factor behind the continued hikes, alongside what the governing body describes as “extraordinary” global interest.

FGG says: Pricing fans out of football’s biggest stage

The World Cup is supposed to be the most accessible, global celebration of football, but these prices are pushing it further out of reach for ordinary fans – unlike what UEFA are doing ahead of Euro 2028.

Breaking the five-figure barrier for a final ticket is a pretty remarkable moment, for all the wrong reasons.

Add in technical issues and confusing sales processes, and it only increases frustration for those already facing huge travel and accommodation costs.

Yes, demand is massive, especially in North America, but there’s a growing sense that FIFA is prioritising revenue over accessibility.

For many fans, attending a World Cup is meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but at these prices, many simply won’t get the chance to attend.