Analysis: How Prices for the Cheapest World Cup Tickets Have Rocketed
MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final, where the cheapest tickets are up to nine times more expensive than they were in 2022. A Guardian analysis comparing official FIFA ticket prices since 1994, with reliable data from 2006 onwards, shows that prices as of 16 December 2025 have surged significantly. This analysis excludes about 1.6% of sellable tickets that are fixed at $60.
The main driver behind these price increases is the introduction of dynamic pricing for 2026, which allows ticket costs to move with demand and may cause prices to drop in some cases. However, waiting for last-minute ticket purchases can be risky, particularly for international travelers with visa restrictions.
Historically, Category 4 tickets have been the lowest priced options. For 2026, these tickets are at least three times more expensive across most rounds, and the limited supply caused the entire Category 4 inventory to sell out before public sales began. There is a fixed $60 ticket option representing a mere 1.6% of sellable seats, which is a fivefold increase over the 2022 Category 4 entry price. This is considerably higher than the United 2026 bid's original promise of about $21 for Category 4 group-game tickets, and these prices hold through to the quarter-final stage.
After the December tournament draw, ticket prices increased for 91 of 104 matches, remained unchanged for 5, and decreased for 8 matches. The only matches to see price decreases were those involving Iran. Price hikes are strongest for host-nation games and high-profile matches, with demand fueled by star players affecting costs. Consequently, Portugal matches have the steepest prices, followed by games featuring Argentina, Spain, Colombia, and Uruguay.
Travel considerations add complexity for fans because visa restrictions apply for certain countries. Given this, waiting for last-minute ticket availability may be impractical for many prospective attendees.
