Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have surged dramatically on the governing body’s official resale platform, with some seats listed at several times their original face value only weeks after the main sales phase concluded, MySportDab Reports.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously warned supporters that tickets appearing on resale markets would likely carry steep markups, and those concerns have now materialised.
As of midweek, a category three seat, located in the upper sections for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on June 11 was listed at $5,324, compared to its initial price of $895.
Even more striking, a category three ticket for the World Cup final scheduled for July 19 at East Rutherford, New Jersey, was advertised at $143,750 — more than 40 times its original value of $3,450. The lowest-priced resale option for the final stood at $9,775.
While most prices have climbed sharply, a few listings dipped below face value. One ticket for Austria’s group-stage clash against Jordan in California was available for $552, despite originally costing $620.
Supporter groups have criticised the inflated figures, arguing they disadvantage genuine fans. Guillaume Aupretre of France’s “Irresistibles Francais” supporters association said the trend reflects widespread speculative buying, leaving passionate followers priced out.
Demand, however, remains high, with FIFA reporting around 500 million ticket requests. The organisation noted it acts solely as a facilitator in the fan-to-fan resale market, charging a 15% fee while allowing sellers to determine pricing.
FIFA added that ticket structures reflect broader entertainment market practices and pledged to maintain fair access.
Resale regulation varies across host nations, with limited oversight in the United States and Canada, while Mexico restricts above-face-value resales under certain conditions.
A final last-minute sales phase will open in April on a first-come basis, as debate over accessibility and pricing continues ahead of the tournament.
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