Football fans face the real risk of being priced out of attending the World Cup 2026 after the staggering cost of ticket prices was revealed.
Three countries will host the world-famous tournament next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico, with 48 teams taking part.
Although it looks increasingly unlikely Ireland will be one of those after their poor start to qualifying under boss Heimir Hallgrimsson.
Last week, a first batch of tickets went up for sale with 4.5million fans applying to be in the ticket ballot.
However, it has posed real questions regarding the authenticity of potential buyers.
Tickets for major popular events such as the World Cup are typically snapped up by ticket touts in order to cash in at higher values at a later date.
The cost of attending the tournament is also a major talking point, particularly in comparison to the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
World Cup 2026 ticket prices vs 2022
For example, the cheapest ticket in Qatar last season was priced at just $11 – that was a category four group game.
For the same ticket this time around, supporters will be paying $100.
In the opening match, the cheapest ticket was $55, which has now been increased to $560. That’s an increase of 918%.
A category one ticket in the opening contest has risen from $618 to $2,735.
The cost of attending the final has also risen to extraordinary levels. The most expensive ticket next year will set someone back $6,370 in comparison to the $1,607 price in Qatar.
The cheapest ticket in the final has also gone from $206 to $2,030.
If that’s not enough, it’s reported that FIFA will add an additional 15% charge on both the buyer and seller of tickets resold via its official platform.
For thousands of passionate supporters, they will be priced out of the opportunity to attend, particularly with the cost of flights to North and Central America.
Hotels will also hike their prices with the influx of people, making it the most expensive tournament in history.
FIFA World Cup ticket prices, 2022 vs 2026 pic.twitter.com/Mhywbr4ITq
— Troll Sports (@TroIISports) October 7, 2025
Ticket prices receive a huge backlash
Unsurprisingly, there has been a huge backlash from fans and supporter groups who remain furious at the corporate greed.
A statement from the England Fans’ Embassy read: “These prices are astonishing – $2,030 for the cheapest final ticket is unacceptable.
“If fans are successful in obtaining a category four ticket from the first game to the last, that could set them back $3,180 (£2,363) at least. That is more than double what Qatar cost.
“Combined with travel and accommodation, this will be the most expensive World Cup for match-going fans we’ve ever seen by some distance.”
Other supporters took to social media to share their frustrations. One said: “Shame on you FIFA.”
Another added: “FIFA fighting tooth and nail to brutally murder the sport as fast as possible.”
A third said: “I’ll watch it on TV. This price is ridiculous. Will try again in 2030.”
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