Can you afford the 2026 World Cup? What fans paid for a seat over the years

The 2026 World Cup will not only be the biggest tournament in football history in terms of duration and the number of participating teams - it will almost certainly be the most expensive World Cup ever for fans who want to experience it in person. Hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament is introducing a new era: more teams, more matches, bigger stadiums, significantly higher ticket prices and a new pricing strategy from FIFA. And all of this is happening in the heart of global capitalism - perhaps fittingly so.

For the first time, many fans are openly saying that the World Cup is moving away from ordinary supporters and turning into a premium sports product aimed primarily at corporations, VIP guests and wealthy travelers. File photo - AP Photo Early prices are causing a shock Although FIFA is continuing to release tickets in phases, the first official information and published prices clearly point in one direction: costs are rising dramatically. The new “Supporter Entry Tier” starts at around $60 and is considered the most affordable option, even cheaper than at some previous tournaments.

However, these tickets are extremely limited and available only under very specific conditions. From there, prices rise sharply. For high-demand matches, especially in major US cities, tickets can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

VIP packages and hospitality experiences operate on an entirely different financial level. In some cases, premium seats for the World Cup final exceed $10,000, while luxury packages that include lounge access and exclusive services can reach $15,000. Related Tickets for World Cup final in New Jersey appear on FIFA's resale site for €1.