With no men’s international football available to view this summer, all attention is directed towards the 2026 World Cup – which will be hosted by three North American nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The first ticketing packages were unveiled on Tuesday, leaving many supporters astonished by the costs.
There is just over a year remaining until teams like Thomas Tuchel’s England and Didier Deschamps’ France compete for the title of world champions in football, and fans from around the world will be eager to secure tickets.
The initial ticket release – starting at $3,500 (£2,625) per person and escalating to an astonishing $73,200 (£54,750) – included the option to bundle several games together.
It is not unreasonable to assert that these exorbitant prices have frustrated fans.
Non-hospitality tickets are anticipated to be made available later this year (2025) – and, at present, the prices for these tickets have not yet been disclosed.
Nevertheless, according to Adam Crafton of The Athletic, the three-way bid has indicated that the average price for a group stage ticket is expected to be approximately $305.
However, it is important to note that these prices are derived from the bid document, which projects a revenue of $1.8 billion from ticket sales.
Consequently, these figures may vary significantly between now and the eventual release of the non-hospitality tickets.
The ticketing update from Tuesday was specifically aimed at the hospitality sector and only included matches taking place in the United States. Dubbed The U.S. Venue Series, FIFA has introduced three distinct types of packages: One package based in Los Angeles allows attendees to witness the USMNT’s initial and concluding games of the group stage, while the SoFi Stadium will also accommodate two Round of 32 matches and a quarter-final.
Reports indicate that ticket prices range from $20,300 to $35,350.
There is a full eight-game package (which covers every match in New York, including the Round of 32, Round of 16 and the final) – prices for that begin at $25,800, while fans are able to splash a figure in the region of $73,200 on the most luxurious option.
If fans are looking to pay a tad less, a full-slate package for matches in Santa Clara in the Bay Arena could cost $8,275 – that will include all six matches to be played at the Levi’s Stadium, including one Round of 32 match.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup – the 23rd edition of this event – is scheduled for December; however, fans are already astonished by the previously mentioned ticket prices. “There will be numerous vacant seats,” remarked one supporter in reaction.
Outraged by the costs, another individual asserted that the 2026 World Cup is embodying everything that football ‘should oppose’, which is excluding fans from witnessing their team or nation compete in one of the most significant events in sports. “Fans will struggle to obtain visas, in addition to the high travel expenses, and ticket prices are exorbitant.
The stadiums will likely be occupied by influencers and winners of sponsor competitions,” stated one fan, while a fourth fan was blunt in their assessment. They expressed: “This World Cup is going to be disappointing.”