FIFA reveals controversial ticketing plan for 2026 World Cup – and here’s how you can buy them

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching,  FIFA has announced a controversial plan for ticket prices at the event.

In the dynamic pricing model, ticket prices will fluctuate based on demand, a strategy first introduced at the Club World Cup in the USA earlier this year.

Critics argue that, unlike previous World Cups, the dynamic pricing model prioritises revenue generation over accessibility for fans.

Keep reading to find out how much you will pay when the first phase of ticket sales opens.

2026 World Cup: What is dynamic pricing?

Dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup means ticket prices will fluctuate based on demand.. For high-demand matches, prices will rise, and they will drop if demand is low.

This uncertainty can make it challenging for fans to decide whether to buy tickets early or wait, potentially leading to higher costs for loyal supporters.

FIFA states that its pricing model is designed to make ticket sales fairer and more market-driven, with higher earnings supporting development programs across 211 member associations.

FIFA's World Cup Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, has encouraged fans to purchase tickets as early as possible and warned about fake websites selling 2026 World Cup tickets ahead of the presale draw in October 2025.

One week until the first phase of FIFA World Cup 26™ ticket sales open 🚨

Fans looking to attend this historic event should register their interest and create a FIFA ID now.

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) September 3, 2025

How can you buy the 2026 World Cup tickets?

According to FIFA, the ticket presale draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup began on 10 September 2025 for Visa cardholders, with prices based on three categories: single-match, team-specific, and venue-specific tickets.

Only team-specific and single-match tickets are available initially, while venue-specific options will come before the final ticket draw.

Phase two of the ticket draw will run from 27 to 31 October 2025, with phase three starting after the final 2026 World Cup draw on 5 December.

As the tournament approaches, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only registered users on the official website can purchase them.

Visa presale prices will range from £44 ($60) to £5,000 ($6,730), with hospitality tickets starting at £2,604 ($3,500) and reaching up to £54,467 ($73,200).

FIFA's Director of Hospitality and Ticketing, Mr. Falk Eller, says there will be no price cap on tickets, a move aimed at competing with unofficial resale outlets and maintaining a regulated ticketing environment.

FGG Says: Dynamic pricing risks sidelining passionate football fans

Dynamic pricing is becoming a significant issue for the World Cup. A trial at the 2025 Club World Cup showed the chaos it can cause: fans who paid high prices saw ticket costs drop dramatically hours before the event. This volatility frustrated supporters and revealed the dangers of prioritising profits over fan experience at major sporting events.

Without reforms like capping resale prices and reserving affordable allocations for locals, dynamic pricing may turn the 2026 World Cup into a corporate event rather than the inclusive festival it aims to be.