What happened

FIFA announced that, for the 2026 World Cup, ticket prices will vary in real time based on demand - a first for the tournament.

The cheapest group-stage tickets reportedly begin at USD 60, but more desirable matches and knockout stages (especially the final) have base prices far higher, up to USD 6,730 for a top-tier final ticket.

Many fans complain that the advertised “low-price” tickets are extremely limited, tucked away in less desirable sections, and quickly scooped up, while most of the tickets on offer are much more expensive.

In addition, FIFA is launching its own resale marketplace without caps on resale prices, and will take a 15 percent commission from both the buyer and seller, meaning it profits again on inflated secondary prices.

Criticism has come from fan groups (like the England Fans’ Embassy), political figures (e.g. NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani launched a petition), and consumer advocates.

Some government pressure is starting to emerge: for example, in Mexico, local laws have forced FIFA to cap resale prices on its exchange there.

On social media and fan forums, many supporters are expressing dismay: “I hate dynamic pricing! No one will be able to afford these tickets.” Others point out that face-value ticket prices are already much higher than for recent tournaments.

There have also been reports that after the first sales phase, FIFA has raised prices for several matches. 

Why it happened

Critics argue that FIFA's adoption of dynamic and variable pricing strategies reflects a profit-driven approach that prioritises revenue over accessibility and fairness for fans. 

Reports suggest that FIFA's decision aligns with market practices in North America, but fan groups and critics see this as a move that exploits supporters and enhances ticketing costs, especially for high-demand matches. 

Concerns also include the lack of transparency, with critics saying there was minimal public information about how dynamic pricing would be implemented, what the pricing bands would be, or how many “low-price” tickets would exist.