FIFA has sparked global outrage after raising the ticket price for the 2026 World Cup final to a staggering $10,990, the highest ever in football history.

The pricing, revealed during a last-minute sales phase on April 1, marks a dramatic escalation from earlier projections and previous tournaments. It represents nearly a 600 percent increase from FIFA’s initial 2018 bid estimate, which suggested final tickets would cost no more than $1,550.

The most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar was approximately $1,600, underscoring the scale of the increase.

Ticket prices have steadily climbed through successive sales phases. The top-tier final ticket rose from $8,680 in December to its current price, while Category 2 tickets increased to $7,380 from $5,575, and Category 3 tickets now cost $5,785, up from $4,185.

The sharp rise has reignited concerns that FIFA is pricing out ordinary fans, particularly as the tournament expands to 48 teams and 104 matches across North America.

The current sales phase, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis, has also drawn criticism for accessibility issues.

Thousands of fans encountered long virtual queues, website glitches, and uncertainty over ticket availability. Although fans were allowed to select specific seats for the first time, many high-demand matches sold out before users could complete purchases.

FIFA confirmed that additional tickets will be released gradually, including through a resale platform where the organisation will take a 15 percent commission from both buyers and sellers.

The governing body’s use of dynamic pricing has further fuelled backlash. In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, 69 Democratic members of the U.S. Congress warned that the approach undermines the organisation’s commitment to accessibility.

“The consequences of dynamic pricing will make the 2026 World Cup the most financially exclusionary to date,” the lawmakers stated.

Beyond the final, ticket prices for knockout rounds have also surged, with semifinal tickets exceeding $3,000 in top categories and quarterfinal prices following a similar trend. Some high-demand group-stage fixtures, including Portugal vs Colombia, have also seen notable increases.

The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium. As demand continues to rise, ticket pricing and access remain central concerns ahead of the tournament. (BusinessDay)

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