Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have surged dramatically on FIFA’s official resale platform, with many matches now listed at multiples of their original face value, even though most tickets were only recently distributed following the main sales phase in January.
Weeks after FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned that tickets sold on resale sites would likely carry exorbitant prices, those fears have materialised on FIFA’s own platform.
As of Wednesday, a “category three” seat — the highest section of the stands — for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium, Mexico City on June 11 was listed at $5,324, compared to the original price of $895.
Meanwhile, one category three seat for the World Cup final on July 19 at East Rutherford, New Jersey, was advertised for $143,750 — more than 41 times its face value of $3,450. The cheapest available ticket for the final on the resale site was $9,775.
In rare cases, ticket prices have decreased. For instance, a ticket for Austria vs Jordan at Levi’s Stadium, California — which hosted Sunday’s Super Bowl — is now listed at $552, down from its original $620.
Football fans worldwide have long anticipated such pricing patterns since the tournament draw in December.
“These exorbitant prices unfortunately don’t surprise me,” said Guillaume Aupretre, spokesperson for the France national team supporters group Irresistibles Francais, which has nearly 2,500 members.
“In the end, who pays the price? The passionate fans who end up with outrageous offers. We would prefer that this benefit real fans who come to support their team, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.”
Despite the high prices, sales remain strong, reflecting global demand: FIFA reports around 500 million ticket requests.
FIFA’s stance and resale rules
While FIFA’s resale platform carries its endorsement, the organisation specifies it only facilitates the market and charges a 15% fee. Resellers determine the ticket prices.
“Generally speaking, the pricing model adopted for FIFA World Cup 26 reflects the existing market practice for major entertainment and sporting events within our hosts on a daily basis, soccer included,” FIFA said.
“This also reflects the treatment of the secondary market for tickets, which has distinct legal treatment in many parts of the world. We are focused on ensuring fair access to our game for existing and prospective fans.”
The resale market is unregulated in the United States and Canada. In Mexico, reselling tickets above face value is prohibited, but only if the ticket was purchased in Mexico using local currency.
Ticketing has become one of the most controversial issues of the World Cup. Fan groups such as Football Supporters Europe have called FIFA’s pricing approach a “monumental betrayal”.
FIFA has responded by offering a limited number of $60 tickets for official supporters’ groups, though critics argue this does little to resolve the broader problem.
FIFA has been notifying applicants since February 5 whether they secured tickets in the second sales phase, which ended in January. A final “last-minute” sales phase will run from April until the end of the tournament, on a first-come, first-served basis.
During sales phases, FIFA applies “variable pricing”, meaning prices fluctuate according to demand and availability for each match. FIFA clarifies it does not use a dynamic pricing model, as prices are not automatically adjusted.
