The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially begun – not just on the pitch, but at the ticket counters too.
In just a week, fans from across the globe will get their first shot at securing seats for the biggest tournament in football. But this time, there’s a twist – and it’s already dividing opinion.
Prices Start at $60… and Can Soar to $6,730
FIFA has confirmed that ticket prices for the tournament will range from $60 (around Rs 5,291 in India) to a staggering $6,730 (around Rs 5,93,540 in India), depending on the match, category, and most importantly – when you buy.
For the first time in the history of the men’s World Cup, FIFA is introducing dynamic pricing. It’s a system where ticket prices can fluctuate based on demand – similar to what fans might be used to when booking flights or concerts.
So, the message from FIFA is clear:
Buy early or pay more.
“Get Your Tickets Early,” Warns FIFA
Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, didn’t mince words:
“The message is: Get your tickets early – especially if you know where you will be because you live in that city or you’re a fan of the three hosting nations.”
And that advice might be more than just a sales pitch. With dynamic pricing in play, early buyers may find affordable tickets – but as demand soars, so could the prices.
USA, Canada & Mexico Set to Host Historic Tournament
The 2026 edition will be historic in more ways than one. It’s the first 48-team World Cup, hosted jointly by USA, Canada, and Mexico, and it’s expected to be the most attended World Cup in history – possibly breaking the record set in 1994, when tickets were priced between $25 and $475.
At the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, prices started from $69 and went up to $1,607. This time, the ceiling is much higher and so are expectations.
Critics Call It a “Money Grab”
FIFA defends the pricing model, claiming it’s meant to maximize attendance and boost funding for global football development.
“It’s key to highlight FIFA’s mission,” said Schirgi. “We’re looking at optimising the revenue, but also optimising attendance in the stadium.”
But not everyone is convinced.
Fans in the UK and elsewhere have already experienced the downsides of dynamic pricing. From concerts like Oasis to major cup finals, prices have soared beyond affordability – leaving many lifelong fans out in the cold.
Some critics now fear that football’s biggest stage might soon become an event only for the wealthy.
Ticket Sales Timeline: What You Need to Know
Here’s how ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will roll out:
- September 10–19, 2025:
Visa cardholders worldwide can apply for tickets via FIFA’s official website. - By September 29:
Successful applicants will be notified and given a purchase window. - October 2025:
Tickets will go on sale to selected fans in specific phases.
Hospitality Packages have already been available for months – but with prices starting at $3,500 (around 3,08,676 in India) and going up to $73,500 (around Rs 64,82,133 in India), they’re well out of reach for the average fan.
The Bigger Question: Is Football Still for Everyone?
With the tournament expected to draw millions of fans to stadiums across North America, FIFA’s balancing act between profit and passion is under the spotlight.
For die-hard supporters dreaming of watching their nation live, the excitement is real but so are the worries about affordability.
So as the first phase of sales kicks off next week, fans are being urged to act fast, plan ahead, and keep their fingers crossed.
Because at this World Cup, it’s not just your team’s performance you’ll need to worry about – it might just be the price of your seat.
