How Much Are World Cup Tickets?
The World Cup is coming to North America in 2026! Every four years, the tournament takes place in a different host country, and American fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to watch USMNT compete among the world’s best.
However, one question that often arises is, how much do World Cup tickets cost? The answer to this question varies depending on a number of factors, including the location of the game, the stage of the competition, and the actual seats.
For a ballpark ticket price for the upcoming World Cup, skip to the next section.
For context, tickets to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are sold in Qatari riyal to both residents of Qatar and international fans, with prices ranging from 40 riyal ($11) through to 5,850 riyal ($1,607). The cost of tickets for the earlier stages of the competition is surprisingly affordable, with the final match having a pricier ticket amount.
Price of 2026 World Cup Tickets
The cost of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a hot topic right now. I know I’m itching to get my hands on them (if I can afford it).
As per NBC Sports Chicago, the price ranges of a single ticket for each round are as follows:
- Opening match: $54.85-$301.68
- Group play: $10.97-$219.40
- Round of 16: $19.20-$274.26
- Quarterfinals: $82.28-$425.10
- Semifinals: $137.13-$954.41
- Third-place match: $82.28-$425.10
I think we’ll end up seeing the higher end of the range with the pent-up demand and the flock of international fans coming to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
It is important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the location and demand for the match.
As of now, tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are not yet available for purchase. I believe tickets will go on sale in 2025 but keep this page bookmarked for the latest updates.
How to Purchase Tickets
If you’re planning to attend the World Cup, purchasing tickets is a crucial step. Here are some ways to buy tickets for the World Cup:
Official Channels
The official channels to purchase World Cup tickets are through the FIFA website and the ticketing portal. The FIFA website provides information on ticket availability, match schedules, and prices. You can also apply for tickets through the ticketing portal, which is the official source for all tickets to the World Cup.
To purchase tickets through the official channels, you need to create an account on the FIFA website or the ticketing portal. Once you’ve created an account, you can apply for tickets by selecting the matches you want to attend. The tickets are allocated through a random selection process, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the tickets you want.
Third-Party Sellers
Another option for purchasing World Cup tickets is through third-party sellers. These are companies or individuals who sell tickets to the World Cup on their own websites or through online marketplaces. However, it’s important to be cautious when purchasing tickets from third-party sellers, as there’s a risk of buying fake tickets or paying more than the face value of the ticket.
Sites like StubHub and SeatGeeks are pretty reputable and have systems in place to detect fraudulent transactions. You would be taking a huge gamble buying it from an online marketplace like Facebook.
Before purchasing tickets from a third-party seller, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the seller is reputable. You can also check the FIFA website for a list of authorized ticket resellers.
Additionally, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of the ticket sale carefully to avoid any surprises or hidden fees.
Depending on the availability, this might be your only hope to secure tickets for the tournament. You may pay a premium but, remember, this is almost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Potential Scams and How to Avoid Them
As with any major event, there is always the potential for scams and fraudulent activity surrounding the sale of tickets. This is part of life as we know it and it is super frustrating to get caught up in a scam.
The FIFA World Cup is one of the most targeted events for scammers due to its popularity and high demand for tickets. The 2026 matches will be no exception.
One common scam is the sale of fake tickets. Scammers may create counterfeit tickets that look authentic, but are actually worthless. To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is important to only purchase tickets from authorized sellers. FIFA is the only authorized seller of World Cup tickets, so be sure to purchase directly from their website or an official FIFA ticket reseller.
Another scam to be aware of is phishing emails. Scammers may send emails that appear to be from FIFA or other official sources, asking for personal information or payment for tickets. These emails may contain links to fake websites that look legitimate but are actually designed to steal your information. To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is important to NEVER click on links in emails from unknown senders. Instead, go directly to the official FIFA website to purchase tickets or verify any information.
It is also important to be cautious of ticket resellers or scalpers. While it may be tempting to purchase tickets from a third-party seller, it is important to note that these sellers may be selling fake tickets or charging exorbitant prices. To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is best to only purchase tickets from authorized sellers. Always do more homework than you should.
Thinking you are going to watch a World Cup match and then finding out you can’t get into the stadium is a gut wrenching feeling.