The cost of attending the inaugural match or final of the 2026 World Cup will be significantly higher than for the previous tournament in Qatar, with ticket prices reflecting historical increases of over 300% in higher categories.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be considerably more expensive for attendees, with official prices released by FIFA illustrating a stark contrast to those of the Qatar 2022 tournament. The inaugural match alone could cost up to four times the maximum price of tickets for the Qatar event, with ticket prices in the lower category estimated starting at $560 and going up to $2,735 for higher categories. This reflects the growing trend of escalating costs in major sporting events, raising concerns among fans about accessibility.
In the group stage, while the base prices may show a slight decrease, there are significant increases observed in medium and high-tier ticket categories. For instance, ticket prices for the Qatar World Cup ranged from approximately $69 to $220, while in 2026, these figures could reach between $60 to over $620. Fans looking to purchase tickets are in for a rude awakening as demand is likely to drive prices even higher for premium seating options.
The steep rise in ticket prices could have implications for fan participation and accessibility, especially for average supporters. This trend not only reflects the increasing commercialization of sports but also poses questions about who will ultimately be able to afford to attend such momentous events. The growth in prices signals a potential shift in the demographic of attendees at the World Cup, possibly moving away from the typical fan experience to a more elitist model where only the wealthy can afford to attend.
