2026 World Cup Ticket Prices Surge,Targeting Knockout Rounds and Key Matches
prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are climbing,with important increases revealed this week for matches involving the U.S. MenS National Team (USMNT) and host nation games,particularly those in the knockout stages. The price hikes came to light after FIFA opened its ticket portal to a random selection of fans who won the opportunity to purchase tickets during a “domestic exclusivity period” following the second lottery, the “early ticket draw.”
FIFA has maintained tight control over ticket pricing information and has not made executives available for comment. The lack of transparency has frustrated fans, especially those who purchased the ”right to buy” tickets with the expectation of clear pricing. The revealed increases impact a wide range of matches, including the opening game in Mexico City, Canada’s opener in toronto, and all round of 16 games and beyond. The pricing strategy suggests FIFA is prioritizing revenue from high-demand matches and capitalizing on the tournament’s co-hosted nature.
Among the most notable increases,the USMNT’s June 19 game in Seattle saw price jumps of 13% for Category 1 tickets,16% for Category 2,and 22% for Category 3. New prices for that match are $605 (Category 1), $470 (Category 2), $225 (Category 3), and $90 (Category 4). The USMNT’s third game, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, also experienced increases: Category 1 rose 13% to $910, Category 2 jumped 24% to $750, and Category 3 increased 21% to $340, with Category 4 remaining at $140.
Mexico’s opening game at estadio Azteca in Mexico City saw prices rise by approximately 20% across all categories,reaching $2,187 (Category 1),$1,584 (Category 2),$945 (Category 3),and $378 (Category 4).
Prices for the U.S.opener at SoFi Stadium have remained stable at $2,735 (Category 1), $1,940 (Category 2), $1,120 (Category 3), and $560 (Category 4).
Most remaining tickets at this stage are for matches between teams yet to be steadfast, with the World Cup draw scheduled for December 5 to finalize matchups and the schedule. FIFA will then open a third ticket lottery phase, where its variable pricing strategy is expected to continue.
