Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup reach 5,765 euros

Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, have been officially announced, and they are already generating headlines across the globe.

According to FIFA, the cost of attending the tournament will vary significantly depending on the stage of the competition, starting at around 51 euros for entry-level tickets in the group phase and climbing to an astonishing 5,765 euros for seats at the final. The announcement underscores the vast scale of the event and the financial commitment required for fans hoping to witness football’s biggest spectacle live.

This edition of the World Cup marks a historic first in more ways than one. Not only will it be the largest tournament ever staged, with 48 participating nations and 104 matches scheduled between June 11 and July 19, 2026, but it will also introduce FIFA’s brand-new dynamic pricing system. This mechanism means that ticket costs will not remain fixed throughout the sales period. Instead, prices will fluctuate based on demand, similar to models already used in sectors like airlines and concert ticketing. For fans, this introduces both opportunity and risk: while early buyers may secure lower prices, those who delay could face substantial hikes if demand surges.

FIFA was quick to emphasize this point, warning supporters that waiting could prove costly. “Buy tickets early,” urged the organization in its official statement, stressing that high interest in certain games—especially those featuring the host nations or traditional football powerhouses could cause prices to rise rapidly. Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s chief operating officer for the 2026 World Cup, doubled down on the message, particularly addressing residents of host cities and fans of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. “Buy your tickets early, because anything can happen,” he cautioned, suggesting that local fans might otherwise be priced out of seeing matches on home soil.

The tournament schedule released alongside the announcement highlights just how significant these games will be for the host countries. The United States will open its campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles and play again on June 19 in Seattle, before returning to Los Angeles on June 25. Mexico’s group stage fixtures are set for June 11 and June 24 in Mexico City, with a June 18 clash in Guadalajara. Canada, meanwhile, will make its long-awaited World Cup debut on June 12 in Toronto, followed by matches in Vancouver on June 18 and June 24. For fans in these cities, demand is expected to be intense, with tickets to these historic games among the most sought after.

The ticketing process itself has also been designed to manage overwhelming demand. The first sales phase will run from September 10 to 19 and will be restricted to fans registered on FIFA’s official platform who also hold the credit card of the event’s official sponsor. Access to this early sale will not be guaranteed for all registrants; instead, a lottery will determine who is granted the right to purchase tickets in advance. Successful applicants will be notified on September 29 and will then have access to buy tickets starting October 1. FIFA has imposed purchase limits of up to four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 tickets per individual across the entire tournament, in an attempt to curb reselling and scalping.

Yet, despite these measures, demand is expected to far exceed supply in many cases. FIFA has already forecast “intense demand” for the 2026 edition, pointing to the unique scale of the event, the passion for football across North America, and the growing international fan base willing to travel for the experience. To accommodate this, the organization has confirmed that there will be multiple additional sales phases in the coming months. One of the most significant will follow the official tournament draw on December 5, when fans will know which teams are playing where and when information likely to drive another surge in ticket demand.

Beyond the financial aspects, the 2026 World Cup represents a watershed moment for the sport. Expanding from 32 to 48 teams, the competition will feature more nations than ever before, giving opportunities to emerging footballing countries while still hosting the traditional giants of the game. The increase to 104 matches means more chances for fans to attend games, but it also means an unprecedented logistical operation across three countries, dozens of cities, and vast travel distances. For supporters, it will be both the most accessible and the most demanding World Cup in history.

As of now, 13 nations have already secured qualification alongside the three automatic host entries. Among them is reigning world champion Argentina, whose presence adds further prestige to the tournament. With Lionel Messi nearing the twilight of his career, many fans speculate that the 2026 World Cup could be his final appearance on football’s grandest stage, another factor expected to drive ticket demand sky-high.

Ultimately, FIFA’s announcement has sparked excitement, debate, and some criticism. While some fans welcome the chance to plan ahead and secure tickets through early registration, others worry that the high costs particularly for knockout matches and the final will price out ordinary supporters. The dynamic pricing system, in particular, has raised concerns about affordability and fairness, with critics arguing that FIFA is prioritizing revenue maximization over accessibility.

Nevertheless, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an unforgettable event: the biggest, longest, and most ambitious tournament ever staged in football history. For those eager to be part of it, the message from FIFA is clear prepare early, register promptly, and, above all, don’t wait too long to buy your tickets.