Article Today, America:
The ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have drawn criticism after details emerged through screenshots shared by lottery winners. While FIFA initially announced that the cheapest tickets would start at around Rs. 5,300, actual rates revealed a steep hike. Final match tickets in the upper deck are priced as high as Rs. 3.73 lakh, raising concerns about affordability for common supporters.
Group Matches Also Expensive
Group stage matches are not immune to high pricing. In major venues such as Sofi Stadium, Levi’s Stadium, and MetLife Stadium, category one tickets range from Rs. 3.63 lakh to Rs. 5.50 lakh. Even category two tickets remain between Rs. 3.10 lakh and Rs. 4.12 lakh. The lower categories offer some relief, with prices from Rs. 5,300 to Rs. 19,200, depending on seat location.
Different Rates in Host Countries
The opening matches in the three host nations have varied ticket structures. In Mexico, category one tickets cost around Rs. 1.70 lakh, with the lowest at Rs. 3,300. Canada’s opener reaches up to Rs. 1.55 lakh, while the United States sees even higher rates, touching Rs. 2.43 lakh for its opening match.
Knockout Rounds Bring Further Hikes
Ticket costs rise significantly during the knockout stages. The round of thirty-two matches reach up to Rs. 5.90 lakh, with higher rates in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York–New Jersey. In the round of sixteen, the maximum climbs to Rs. 7.90 lakh. Quarterfinal matches record rates up to Rs. 1.50 lakh in Los Angeles, while semifinals in Dallas reach Rs. 2.47 lakh.
Final Match Beyond Common Reach
The final stages present the steepest costs. Tickets for the third-place playoff are priced up to Rs. 8.87 lakh. For the final, tickets start at Rs. 5.10 lakh and climb much higher. Team-specific packages, including for Argentina and Brazil, touch Rs. 8.25 lakh. More than 4.5 million fans have already entered the pre-sale draw, with rules allowing up to 40 tickets per buyer, though restricted to four per match.
Concerns Over Accessibility
The pricing strategy has sparked debate about whether the World Cup is becoming an exclusive event for the wealthy. With costs rising across all stages, many fans now question whether attending football’s biggest tournament will remain a realistic dream for ordinary supporters.
