Dynamic pricing. If you’re a fan of, say, live music or sports you’re probably aware that it’s one of the biggest barriers of entry to the average attendee of any live event. Dynamic pricing has drawn the ire of fans all across the country, and the FIFA World Cup is employing a similar business model for the first time, alienating soccer fans around the globe. But in another big blow, it looks like fans are being alienated by the fixed ticket prices, even before the fluctuations start: “If fans are successful in obtaining a category four ticket from the first game to the last, that could set them back $3,180 at least,” said Thomas Concannon from the England Fans’ Embassy.

To break it all down, at the start of September, FIFA announced its plans to use a dynamic pricing model in the sale of World Cup tickets. The organization encouraged fans to get their tickets early at the best prices, because with dynamic pricing, the costs could go up or down based on demand. And with this being the biggest sporting tournament in the world, demand will surely soar, and so will the prices. But with the start of the first round of presale, it turns out buying a ticket at face value is costlier than ever, even without the surge pricing kicking in.

For comparison, tickets are significantly more expensive compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. A ticket for the opening match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would have set you back $618 for a Category-1—the best and the most expensive section—ticket which offers the best views and closest proximity to the action. But at the 2026 World Cup, the minimum you have to pay (a CAT-4 ticket) for the opening match is $560; a Category-1 ticket would cost you $2,735 — a whopping increase.

The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This iconic stadium has a seating capacity of over 87,000, but the new pricing model is set to price out your average fan from attending. The cheapest tickets are for the other group stage matches, where a Category-4 ticket would cost you $100, Category-3: $150, Category-2: $430, and Category-1: $575.

Still, it’s a big jump from 2022, where tickets for group stage games ranged from $11 to $220. Those $11 tickets were reserved for residents of the host country, but in a blow to North American soccer fans, the cheapest tickets are no longer reserved.

And if you wish to see the finals, let us warn you: the prices are skyrocketing. The 2026 World Cup is set to become the most expensive sports tournament ever, at the detriment of fans.

At the Qatar World Cup, you could get theoretically buy a ticket to the final for $206 and at most for $1,607. But now, a  Category-4 ticket will set you back $2,030 at the 2026 final, while a Category-3 seat will have you paying $2,790. The best seats are priced at $6,730; the price increases by approximately 141% from Category 3.

When compared to the Qatar World Cup, there’s an approximate hike of 319%. Many would think of inflation as a reason. But as of August 2025, inflation is approximately 2.9% in the U.S., 3.6% in Mexico, and 1.9% in Canada — not enough to account for the massive price hike.

Criticism has started to flood social media; fans are shocked and angry by the prices, with some noting that it was more cost effective to fly out to Doha in 2022 to catch a few games versus trying to catch the games in their very host cities. 

FIFA has defended its new pricing model for the 2026 World Cup

As noted by Thomas Concannon of the England Fans’ Embassy, international fans will be facing an even greater burden to support their national teams live. During the World Cup, round-trip flights from London to New York could cost approximately $550–$1,100. He suggested that each participating country should be guaranteed a fair share of the cheapest tickets, regardless of where the host city is or how dynamic pricing affects costs.

He also recommended that these tickets be positioned in prime spots behind the goals so fans can strongly support their teams. “We’d urge the FA to work with other nations around the world to put pressure on FIFA to keep this World Cup financially accessible for match-going fans,” Concannon said. Reports also revealed that FIFA would charge a 15% commission on tickets bought and sold on its official resale platform, with FIFA releasing the following statement amidst criticism.

“The pricing model adopted generally reflects the existing and developing market practice in our co-hosts for major entertainment and sporting events, soccer included. We are focused on ensuring fair access to our game for existing but also prospective fans, and are offering group stage tickets starting at 60 US dollars, a very competitive price point for a major global sporting event in the US,” the statement read.

But with two rounds of presale between now and the tournament draw in December, prices are all but guaranteed to skyrocket. Once fans know the schedule of games and who is playing whom, the inevitable rush to buy tickets from a reduced ticket pool will make it a costly affair. Though the dynamic prices can benefit host city residents who may be able to snag cheap, last-minute tickets to a low-demand game, international fans will be on the losing end.

FIFA confirmed that they will maintain the ring-fenced allocations reserved for specific fan categories and that these tickets will be offered at a fixed price. Speaking for the commission on its official resale platform, they said, “The FIFA resale platform will provide fans looking to sell or purchase tickets on the secondary market with a safe and secure method to do so, as permitted by US legislation.”

If there’s any consolation for fans, it’s that FIFA already tested the waters for their dynamic ticketing model over the summer during the Club World Cup in America. However, it was soon abandoned amidst reports of low ticket sales and poor attendance. Fans can only hope for a similar about face, and soon, before it’s too late.