World Cup ticket prices have risen tenfold over four years

Compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, ticket prices for all categories have increased significantly this time. In particular, Category 4 tickets, which are meant for general fans, have risen nearly tenfold. In Qatar, the cheapest ticket for the opening match was $55, but for 2026, it has jumped to $560. This means that even the cheapest tickets for 2026 are now close to the price of the most expensive Category 1 tickets in 2022.

Group stage tickets have also risen nine times in price from just $11 previously to $100 now. The increase for the final match is even more staggering. In 2022, the cheapest final ticket was $206, but in 2026 it has soared to $2,030. In other words, the lowest-priced seats for the final now cost more than the most expensive seats in the last World Cup.

This massive price surge has sparked global outrage on social media. Fans argue that FIFA has reached a point where ordinary football enthusiasts can no longer afford to watch matches in the stadium. Some have commented, “At these prices, the World Cup is now entertainment only for the wealthy.”

Adding to this is FIFA’s new “dynamic pricing” policy, which states that ticket prices for matches with higher demand will increase in subsequent sales phases. Experts say this system, common in the North American market, benefits local fans who are used to buying last-minute tickets at lower prices. However, it will make it more difficult for foreign fans, who cannot suddenly purchase tickets without prior travel and accommodation plans.

FIFA will also charge a 15% fee on resold tickets from both buyers and sellers, further increasing the cost of legally buying or selling tickets.

Now, general tickets for the World Cup final range from $2,030 to $6,370, and hospitality tickets haven’t even gone on sale yet. Considering all of this, the 2026 World Cup is expected to be the most expensive in history.