Ticket Prices for 2026 FIFA World Cup Are Dropping
As we approach the grand kick-off of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, ticket prices are unexpectedly declining. With less than a month left until the event, many fans are feeling a sense of relief.
For quite some time, soccer enthusiasts have voiced frustrations over the steep prices for World Cup tickets. FIFA responded to these complaints, arguing that the costs reflected the entertainment market in the United States. “We must consider the market,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino, noting the prices at other large sporting events like the NFL and NBA.
Despite FIFA’s reasoning, fans are focused on affordability.
A recent analysis reveals that the average price for group stage tickets has dropped over 23% within the last month. Previously hovering around $737, the average cost is now approximately $550. This notable $168 decrease comes just weeks before the first match on June 11 in Mexico City.
It’s good news for those who’ve been anxiously waiting yet hoping for lower ticket prices. There’s a growing concern at FIFA that many matches might see empty seats, which, of course, wouldn’t bode well for what is supposed to be a transformative tournament for soccer in North America.
In Los Angeles, fans are thrilled to see the price for the opening game between the U.S. and Paraguay at SoFi Stadium dropping below $1,000 for the first time in five months, now sitting at around $938. However, only about 40,934 tickets have been sold for a venue that can accommodate nearly 70,000 people.
On the pricier side, the highest average ticket for a group stage game is for the Colombia vs. Portugal match at Hard Rock Stadium, costing a staggering $3,212. Interestingly, Colombia has the highest average ticket prices across all group stage matches compared to countries like Brazil, Portugal, and the United States.
For anyone considering attending the World Cup in the U.S., particularly from the Bay Area, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara offers the best value, with average ticket prices around $225. Infantino remarked that the resale market is significant in the U.S., which heavily influences ticket pricing, and with ongoing decline, there’s a chance they could get even cheaper as the opening kicks off, especially if seats remain unsold.
Still, one match stands out in terms of stable prices: the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where tickets currently start at $7,734.
So for those planning to hop along to a match this summer, now might be a good time to snag tickets at lower rates.
The tournament begins on June 11 in Mexico City, featuring a match between Mexico and South Africa, and will span six weeks across 16 cities in three host countries—Mexico, the USA, and Canada.
