Astronomical costs await fans at the World Cup | OneFootball

Almost seven million tickets have been put on sale for the 2026 World Cup, many at exorbitant prices due to high demand. However, the cost of fans’ stay in North America could skyrocket even further when additional expenses are included.

How many tickets?

According to Fifa, almost seven million tickets have been put on sale. Each person is limited to buying four tickets per match and 40 for the entire tournament, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

More than two million tickets were purchased during the first sales phase, held in October through a lottery. The second period (December to January) was also based on a lottery system and attracted a record number of 508 million applications.

The most requested matches were Colombia vs. Portugal (June 27, in Miami), Mexico vs. South Korea (June 18, in Guadalajara), and the final (July 19, in East Rutherford, New Jersey).

Sky-high prices…

For the largest World Cup in history (48 teams, 104 matches), Fifa created a variable pricing system for tickets, depending on the matches.

According to the association Football Supporters Europe (FSE), the bid dossier promised tickets starting at US$ 21 (approximately R$ 110), but the lowest price was set at US$ 60 (R$ 310), for Brazil vs. Haiti and Austria vs. Jordan.

Most tickets cost at least US$ 200 (about R$ 1,000) for matches of the main teams and US$ 2,000 (just over R$ 10,000) for the final in the cheapest category, while the best seats can cost up to US$ 8,680 (almost R$ 45,000).

The president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, attributed this increase to the “market.”

“In the United States, in particular, there is something called dynamic pricing, which makes prices go up or down depending on demand and the match schedule,” argued the executive.

Criticized for this pricing strategy, Fifa created a ticket category of US$ 60 reserved for members of fan associations, but this quota is limited.

For fans who can invest more, Fifa offers “packages” that combine tickets and reserved spaces (VIP room or lounge): for the France vs. Senegal match, on June 16, in East Rutherford, the option costs between US$ 2,900 (R$ 15,000) and US$ 4,500 (R$ 23,000).

…and they will increase even more

Fifa has reserved an undisclosed number of tickets that will be offered from April until the end of the competition for last-minute sales.

As a last resort, there are resale platforms, including one managed by Fifa itself. This secondary market is free — each reseller sets their own price — in the United States and Canada, a system that drives prices even higher, already considered exclusionary.

A seat in the upper stands to watch Mexico vs. South Africa can cost from US$ 895 (R$ 4,600) to US$ 5,324 (R$ 27,000).

Additional expenses

Beyond the cost of accessing the stadiums, a significant portion of spectators also needs to consider other expenses, such as airfare, accommodation, food, and urban transportation.

Several stadiums are located far from the city center, and a parking spot on site can cost between US$ 75 (R$ 380) in Atlanta and US$ 300 (R$ 1,500) in Los Angeles.

For visitors who do not have the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), the bill also increases with the tourist visa, which can cost US$ 185 (R$ 950).

Alternatives

Fans traveling without a ticket will still be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the “Fan Festivals” that are expected to be organized in the 16 host cities.

The Kansas City stadium, where Argentina will make its debut on June 16 against Algeria, may host up to 25,000 people for the six matches scheduled in the city, as well as other tournament matches.

In New York, the facilities of the US Open will be partially transformed into a fan zone with capacity for 10,000 people between June 17 and 28. Unlike other fan zones, entry will be paid.

*with content from AFP

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.