Ticket prices on FIFA’s official resale platform for the 2026 World Cup have surged far beyond face value, with some seats listed at staggering amounts weeks after tickets were first distributed.
A category three ticket for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City is now priced at $5,324, up from $895. For the final in New Jersey, one similar seat was listed at $143,750, while the cheapest available ticket stood at $9,775.
“These exorbitant prices unfortunately don’t surprise me. It reflects what we know and what we fight against: many people buy to resell,” said Guillaume Aupretre of French supporters group Irresistibles Francais. “In the end, who pays the price? The passionate fans who end up with outrageous offers.”
FIFA said resellers, not the organization, set prices. “Generally speaking, the pricing model adopted for FIFA World Cup 26 reflects the existing market practice for major entertainment and sporting events,” FIFA said. “We are focused on ensuring fair access to our game for existing but also prospective fans.”
Despite criticism, demand remains strong, with FIFA reporting about 500 million ticket requests worldwide.
