Ticket Prices for the 2026 World Cup: FIFA Bets on Local Fans
The ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have officially been revealed — and they are staggering compared to Qatar 2022. The opening match alone will cost from $560 (Category 4) to a jaw-dropping $2,735 (Category 1). Even group-stage matches start at $100, which is roughly ten times higher than the cheapest tickets in 2022.
From Affordable to Exclusive
For context, here’s how the prices have changed:
| Match Type | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Match | $2,735 | $1,940 | $1,120 | $560 |
| Group Matches | $575 | $430 | $150 | $100 |
| Round of 16 | $890 | $675 | $330 | $220 |
| Quarterfinal Matches | $1,690 | $1,150 | $725 | $410 |
| Semifinals Match | $2,780 | $1,920 | $720 | $455 |
| Third-Place Match | $1,000 | $715 | $360 | $165 |
| Final Match | $6,370 | $4,210 | $2,790 | $2,030 |
Even the cheapest ticket for the final has jumped from $206 to $2,030 — almost a tenfold increase.
But for the American audience, this might not be such a shock. Sports fans in the U.S. are used to spending $100 or more on tickets for NHL or NBA games. From FIFA’s perspective, these prices are not “crazy,” they’re just American-level normal.
Focus on the Local Market
This tournament clearly targets the local audience. With matches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — and 48 teams in total — FIFA seems confident that local fans will fill the stadiums. And given the strength of the American economy, that’s a logical bet.
Still, one question remains: will U.S. fans show the same enthusiasm for Panama vs. Tunisia as they would for Brazil vs. Argentina? Filling 16 stadiums across three countries is a huge challenge, even with dynamic pricing and local promotions.
The Business Side of the World Cup
FIFA has found a golden opportunity to cash in. Hosting in North America guarantees strong purchasing power, massive corporate sponsorships, and record TV revenue. For FIFA, this isn’t just a tournament — it’s a financial engine.
If visa policies were relaxed, fans from Latin America, Europe, and Asia would surely flood the stadiums despite high prices. But even without them, FIFA will likely reach its revenue targets — and if ticket sales slow down, there’s always room for flash sales, dynamic pricing, or even AI-generated crowds to fill the stands (at least visually).
In the End, It’s All About Money
The 2026 World Cup won’t just set new records on the pitch — it’s already breaking them in the box office. FIFA’s strategy is clear: less about accessibility, more about profitability.
The World Cup is no longer just a global celebration — it’s a premium product designed for one of the world’s richest markets.
Published by Patrick Jane
07.10.2025