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The pre-sale window for the 2026 World Cup tickets is open, but there’s a significant issue that’s already turning heads: the hefty prices, which are particularly daunting for the average fan.
Many spectators hoping to attend the tournament, set to take place across the US, Mexico, and Canada, are finding costs that soar several hundred dollars above their initial expectations.
To make matters worse, FIFA has announced that they will implement dynamic pricing during the event, adding to the financial strain for many.
Hefty ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup opening matches
Despite earlier announcements stating that the cheapest tickets for the 2026 World Cup would start at $60, fans who have already booked their seats in the pre-sale window are reporting otherwise. They have noted that such low-priced tickets are rare.
According to The Athletic, those who spent hours in the digital queue reported that these tickets mainly serve seats in the upper decks of the stadiums, predominantly in a few corner sections.
The leaked ticketing structure further reveals that one might pay between $560 and $2,235 for the opening match in the US, while tickets for the opener in Mexico are reportedly priced between $370 and $1,825. For those in Canada, ticket prices for the first game will range from $355 to $1,745.
Based on these revelations, the US venues command considerably higher top-end prices compared to Canada or Mexico.
Unlike previous tournaments, when FIFA released a round-by-round and category-by-category breakdown of ticket prices, only a select few fans, ostensibly the first winners of the 2026 World Cup ticket lottery, have been allowed to access and publicly reveal the prices.
Group stage and key matches are not spared
Fans who have secured their 2026 World Cup tickets are realising that prices will continue to rise as the tournament progresses. This reflects the growing demand for seats as exciting matches unfold throughout the first tri-nation World Cup.
For group stage matches, ticket prices will range from $60 for the cheapest option to $805 for a premium single-seat. According to the leaks, tickets for the third-place playoffs will cost between $165 and $1,000.
Attending the Final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in the U.S., will cost anywhere from $2,030 for lower-tier seats to $6,370 for those seeking premium seating at the 82,500-capacity venue.
FIFA's presale for World Cup 2026 tickets has revealed just how expensive the tournament could be for supporters – and we're calling on the FA to lobby FIFA for fairer prices #FIFAWorldCup #WC2026 pic.twitter.com/YsOLX5tuDF
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) October 3, 2025
With 104 matches set to be played across the host countries, up from 64 matches during the last tournament in Qatar, the 2026 World Cup is not only poised to be the most expensive tournament to organise but is also expected to be the most expensive to watch in person.
FGG Says: 2026 World Cup tickets should promote inclusivity
The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the largest in history, but it is also projected to be the most expensive and potentially socially divisive. Initial pricing for lower-tier tickets is listed at $60; however, reports indicate that costs may rise to as much as $7,000 for the final match, with significant fees for tickets during the preliminary rounds of the tournament.
FIFA has defended its dynamic pricing model. The North American ticketing approach, which prioritises revenue generation, has raised questions about fan affordability and accessibility. There are concerns that ordinary fans, who play a vital role in the sport, may find it challenging to attend this quadrennial event.
The information provided suggests that ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup may limit access primarily to individuals with greater financial means. This move by FIFA risks undermining fairness in favour of revenue, instead of striking a balance between the two.