Football fans planning to attend the 2026 World Cup in North America face staggering parking costs, with passes reaching up to $175 per vehicle at some venues according to FIFA's official website.
Stadium Parking Prices Revealed
The Athletic first reported the significant figures that will impact supporters in the car-dependent United States, one of three host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. A general parking pass for the 14th July semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas was listed at $175, while group-stage match parking at the same venue costs $75.
Quarter-final matches don't come cheap either. Parking at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for the 11th July quarter-final would set ticket holders back $125, with group-stage matches again costing $75. These prices emerge after FIFA employed dynamic pricing for the tournament's first phase of ticket sales, where group-stage seats started at $60.
American Reality Versus Global Expectations
While international visitors might find these costs shocking, they align with standard pricing for NFL games at the same stadiums. The cheapest resale ticket for the Philadelphia Eagles versus Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium on 23rd November is $95, while parking for Kansas City Chiefs home games at Arrowhead starts from $69.
The accessibility challenge presents another concern for tournament organisers. Unlike Qatar's 2022 World Cup stadiums or most European venues that benefit from robust public transport networks, many 2026 host cities including Kansas City and Dallas lack comprehensive public transit options to their stadiums.
Organisers have indicated that shuttle services and rideshares will be available to supplement transportation needs, though specific details and pricing remain unclear.
Limited Availability and Growing Criticism
As of Tuesday, only a handful of the 16 World Cup venues across Canada, Mexico and the United States had parking passes listed for online sale. Notable absences include Mexico City, hosting the tournament opener, and New York/New Jersey, venue for the final.
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey does offer public transport access, though the service has been described as inconsistent. This parking price revelation comes as FIFA already faces substantial criticism over high ticket prices for the 2026 tournament.
The international football governing body anticipates generating more than $10 billion from the World Cup, stating that revenues will be reinvested to develop the game worldwide. However, these latest parking costs are likely to fuel further debate about the tournament's accessibility for ordinary fans.
