Fans who have been priced out of the FIFA World Cup may finally find some relief, as resale ticket prices have dropped significantly in recent weeks, according to data from TicketData. The website tracks the average “get-in” price—the cheapest available resale ticket for a given event.
Average Prices Drop
Over the last week, the average “get-in” price for a World Cup group-stage match hovered around $550. This marks a substantial decline from April, when the average cost exceeded $700.
High-Demand Matches Remain Expensive
However, fans hoping to see highly anticipated matches will still need to dig deep into their wallets. The Colombia vs. Portugal group-stage game in Florida, scheduled for June 27, has a “get-in” price soaring past $2,500. This is Colombia’s only group-stage match on U.S. soil.
Interestingly, that price is even higher than the semi-final games, both of which have “get-in” prices under $2,300 as of Friday. On the other hand, some matches are more affordable. For example, Austria vs. Jordan in Santa Clara, California, and Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Qatar in Seattle can be seen for around $200.
The Most Expensive Ticket: The Final
The World Cup final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium remains the most expensive event, with a “get-in” price above $8,000. However, many resellers are listing tickets at much higher prices, reaching five, six, and even seven figures. Last month, fans spotted four final match tickets listed at just under $2.3 million each on FIFA’s official resale website. FIFA does not control these prices but takes a portion of sales.
FIFA President Responds
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the high resale prices earlier this month at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. “If some people put on the resale market some tickets for the final at $2 million, number one, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million, and number two, it doesn’t mean that somebody will buy these tickets,” Infantino said. He added jokingly, “And if somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million, I will personally bring a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience.”
Cheap Tickets for New Yorkers
New York City residents have a chance to secure the cheapest seats of all. Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured 1,000 World Cup tickets for residents priced at just $50 each. City residents can enter a lottery opening Monday morning to win the chance to purchase these tickets. The bargain tickets cannot be used for the final, but each includes a free round-trip bus ride to MetLife Stadium.
Criticism Over Pricing
The $50 tickets come amid growing concern over FIFA’s direct ticket pricing. Earlier this month, Representatives Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone, both Democrats from New Jersey, wrote to Infantino demanding more information about FIFA’s pricing practices by May 22. “We are deeply concerned by reports that FIFA is employing opaque pricing, shifting rules, and potentially deceptive practices that are making it difficult for fans to access seats,” the lawmakers wrote.
Even President Donald Trump has weighed in. When asked about four-figure prices earlier this month, he told The New York Post, “I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
FIFA Defends Pricing
Amid the uproar, Infantino continues to defend FIFA’s pricing, stating that the organization is charging “market rates.” “We have to look at the market; we are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates,” he said at a press conference earlier this month. He also noted that in the U.S., it is permitted to resell tickets, and if tickets were sold too low, they would be resold at much higher prices.
The Independent has contacted FIFA for comment.
