How Much Will World Cup 2026 Tickets Cost?

If you're planning to attend the World Cup in 2026, you'll need to budget carefully—ticket prices range from around $60 for some group matches to over $6,700 for the best seats at the final. You'll also find that prices go up as the stakes rise, and not every ticket will be easy to secure. Before you start searching for your seat, consider what drives these costs and how the buying process will shape your options.

Overview of 2026 World Cup Ticket Pricing

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, ticket prices exhibit a significant range, with costs beginning at approximately $60 for select group-stage matches and reaching several thousand dollars for premium seating options, particularly for the final match. The pricing structure implemented by FIFA reflects a variable strategy based on several factors, including match type and seating category.

Group-stage match tickets are generally the most affordable, typically ranging from $60 to $805. During the knockout rounds, as competition heightens and spectator interest increases, ticket prices escalate.

For those interested in attending the final match, the cost can be as high as $6,730 for top-category tickets.

Opening Match and Host Nation Ticket Price Breakdown

Ticket pricing for the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup reflects the demand and the status of the host nations.

For the opening match in Mexico, ticket prices range from approximately $370 to $1,825, varying by seating category. The opening match for the U.S. men’s national team commands higher prices, starting at $560 and reaching up to $2,735, which is currently the highest price among the opening matches.

In Canada, the category one tickets for the opener in Toronto are priced at $1,745.

These variations in ticket costs are influenced by factors such as seating location, the status of the host nation, and the demand generated through the FIFA World Cup ticket lottery process.

Group Stage Ticket Costs and Seat Categories

Group stage ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup vary significantly, influenced primarily by demand and seating categories.

Category 4 seats, typically located in upper corners of the venues, start at approximately $60. In contrast, premium Category 1 seats, which are situated in more favorable lower bowl and second deck locations, can reach up to $805.

The pricing for tickets related to specific national teams is notably higher. For instance, tickets for matches involving the U.S. men's national team range from $560 to $2,735, indicating a high level of demand for these games.

Similarly, tickets for Canada's matches are priced between $355 and $1,745, while Mexico’s opening fixture sees prices range from $370 to $1,825.

This pricing structure clearly reflects the interaction between seat location, overall demand, and the significance of the matches being played.

As such, it's essential for potential attendees to consider these factors when planning to purchase tickets for the event.

Knockout Rounds and Final Match Pricing

As the tournament transitions into the knockout stages, there's a notable increase in ticket prices, driven by both the elevated significance of the matches and the growing demand among fans.

In the Round of 32, prices for Category 1 seats are set between $440 and $665, while those for Category 4 are more accessible, ranging from $125 to $185.

When the tournament progresses to the Round of 16, there's a considerable price hike. Category 1 tickets range from $590 to $890, and Category 4 tickets increase to between $170 and $260.

The Semifinals see an even more dramatic escalation in pricing, with premium seats reaching as high as $2,780.

The final match, held at MetLife Stadium, represents the apex of ticket pricing in this tournament. Here, Category 1 tickets can cost as much as $6,730, while the least expensive options start at approximately $2,030.

This pricing structure illustrates the significant financial implications of attending key matches during the tournament, reflecting both the competitive nature of the event and the corresponding market demand.

Sales Phases: Lottery Process and Timeline

Understanding the process for securing a seat at the World Cup is crucial alongside comprehending the associated costs. The ticket sales phases are initiated through a lottery process, which includes a presale draw where approximately 4.5 million participants vie for available tickets within a compressed 24-hour timeframe.

For those who aren't successful in this initial round, there's an opportunity in the early ticket draw, which is scheduled to commence on October 27, 2025, thus providing a secondary chance to acquire tickets.

Each participant in these draws is subject to a cap, allowing them to request a maximum of up to 40 World Cup tickets, with a limit of four tickets per match.

It's important to note that the specific teams participating in the tournament won't be disclosed until after the official draw takes place on December 5, 2025.

Following these lottery phases, the final segment of ticket sales will occur in the spring of 2026, where tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis, which is particularly relevant for matches that are expected to have high demand.

Resale Market and “Right To Buy” Tokens

The process of acquiring tickets for major sporting events like the World Cup often involves a multi-stage system, including initial lotteries and official resale platforms. After primary ticket sales conclude, many fans look to FIFA’s resale platform to secure tickets, particularly for matches that are sold out.

This platform typically sees significant markups on ticket prices, driven primarily by consumer demand. Importantly, FIFA doesn't impose a cap on resale prices, which allows ticket values to exceed their original prices, sometimes considerably.

Each resale transaction incurs a 15% commission fee paid to FIFA, which contributes to the organization's revenue stream. Additionally, the introduction of Right To Buy tokens has created another layer in the ticket purchasing process. These tokens, which can be sold for prices as high as $3,999 each, provide holders with the opportunity to purchase tickets.

However, obtaining a token doesn't guarantee a specific ticket price or availability, introducing an element of uncertainty for buyers. This uncertainty can lead to financial risk for token holders, as final ticket costs may be much higher than the initial token price.

Affordability Challenges and Fan Reactions

As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, many fans are expressing concerns over the rising ticket prices.

Current ticket prices range from approximately $60 to over $6,730, with the starting price for the final set at $2,000. This escalation in costs has sparked criticism among fans, who are questioning the accessibility and fairness of ticketing practices.

Many supporters feel that the price range excludes a significant portion of potential attendees, particularly those from participating nations, raising concerns about equitable access to the event.

Resale ticket prices often exceed the original costs, further compounding issues related to affordability. Critics argue that FIFA hasn't sufficiently addressed these challenges, prompting calls for more affordable ticket options.

The situation is seen as potentially undermining the spirit of the World Cup, an event historically celebrated for its inclusivity and global reach.

Future Sales, Draw Dates, and What to Expect

As ticket demand continues to increase, it's crucial to understand the upcoming sales phases and how to strategically prepare for them.

The next scheduled sales opportunity begins with the early ticket draw on October 27, 2025, which will allow participants to enter the ticket lottery. Following the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, another ticket phase will become available, potentially increasing ticket access. However, it's important to recognize that demand may remain high, and ticket options may still be limited.

Moreover, FIFA's pricing strategies are likely to evolve in response to consumer demand, resulting in possible price changes, particularly for high-demand matches.

Therefore, it's advisable to plan ahead as ticket availability is expected to be constrained until subsequent lottery phases are launched.

Conclusion

If you're planning to attend the 2026 World Cup, prepare for a wide range of ticket prices—from budget options in the group stage to premium seats for the final. Stay alert for official sales, lotteries, and resale opportunities, but expect high demand and tough competition. With rising prices and new ticketing measures, getting your ideal ticket won't be easy, so keep informed and act quickly when the next sales phase begins. Good luck securing your spot!