FIFA World Cup final ticket prices jump 587%

FIFA has sharply increased ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup final, with the most expensive seats now listed at $10,990 (approximately Tk 13,49,600), according to the latest sales phase released on Wednesday.

The new pricing marks a steep rise from the 2022 World Cup final, where top tickets were around $1,600 (about Tk 1,96,500), which means an increase of 586.82% this time around. 

 It also represents an increase from the previous sales window, when the highest-priced tickets stood at $8,680 (Tk 10,65,900).

Prices across other categories have also climbed. Category 2 tickets are now priced at $7,380 (Tk 9,06,300), up from $5,575 (Tk 6,84,700) in December. Category 3 tickets have risen to $5,785 (Tk 7,10,400), compared to $4,185 (Tk 5,13,900) previously.

FIFA has adopted a dynamic pricing model for this year’s tournament, allowing ticket prices to fluctuate based on demand. While the governing body maintains that revenues will support grassroots football development globally, the approach has drawn widespread criticism.

Concerns have intensified following reports of even higher prices in other markets. In Australia, the top ticket price reached $15,900 (approximately Tk 19,52,500), up from $12,560 (Tk 15,42,400) during initial sales after the tournament draw.

The pricing strategy has sparked backlash from both fans and policymakers. In a letter last month, 69 Democratic members of the United States Congress criticised FIFA’s approach, stating that dynamic pricing “starkly contrasts” with the organisation’s mission of promoting accessibility and inclusivity in football. They warned that the 2026 World Cup risks becoming the most financially exclusionary edition to date.

Ticket sales have also been marred by technical issues. When the latest phase opened, fans reported long wait times on FIFA’s website, with some taking hours to access the platform. FIFA did not initially disclose which matches or ticket categories were available, forcing users to search manually.

Despite the glitches, FIFA described the current phase as a milestone, as it allows fans to select specific seats rather than apply for tickets within a general price range. Additional tickets for the final and 17 group-stage matches were released, with more expected to become available on a rolling basis.

The tournament, featuring an expanded 48-team format, is scheduled to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The final will be held in New Jersey on July 19.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the ticketing process, previously stating that demand has been unprecedented, equating requests to “1,000 years of World Cups at once.”

However, with prices continuing to rise, many fans fear that attending football’s biggest event is becoming increasingly out of reach.