FIFA is facing an embarrassing situation as thousands of 2026 World Cup tickets remain available just days before the tournament begins. Nearly 180,000 tickets are still up for grabs, with the opening group phase seeing significant unsold inventory. The World Cup kicks off on Thursday against a backdrop of sociopolitical controversy, security worries, and logistical issues.
Ticket Pricing Sparks Outrage
Ticket pricing has become a major talking point, with exceptionally steep costs leaving supporters priced out. Seats for the final were reportedly listed at close to $33,000, though prices are now tumbling as demand falters. Tickets for the United States' opener against Paraguay show more than 4,400 seats still available through official channels. Despite significant reductions, the average ticket price for that fixture still exceeds $800, while the cheapest remaining tickets directly from FIFA cost $1,120.
On FIFA's official platform, approximately 15,000 tickets remain on sale for group-stage matches. The initial hefty costs and the introduction of dynamic pricing, which adjusts prices according to demand, have drawn fierce criticism from supporters and politicians alike. New York and New Jersey authorities have launched investigations into the "impossibly high" ticket prices.
Financial Implications and Embarrassment
The pricing has left thousands of seats in danger of remaining empty, which would prove embarrassing for FIFA. The governing body had previously praised strong ticket demand, announcing in January that its ticketing website had received over 500 million booking requests. FIFA had expected to raise more than $3 billion from ticket and hospitality sales throughout the tournament, over three times the figure achieved at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite functioning primarily for financial gain, FIFA remains legally registered as a non-profit organisation.
FIFA has maintained its ticketing approach includes "a broad range of price points." Following widespread criticism, a limited number of more affordable tickets have been released. Over the past month, the average ticket price on the official reseller portal has fallen by 20 per cent, and with a 26 per cent resale fee, most resales are likely to result in a loss.
The five-week 2026 World Cup is being hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and begins on Thursday, June 11.
