2026 World Cup: Tickets costing over 5,000 francs, a record in world sport

Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have just been revealed: from $60 (47 Swiss francs) for some group matches to over 5,000 Swiss francs for the final. These prices raise questions, especially when compared to other international sporting events.

Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup

FIFA has not officially released its ticket pricing, but the sale of tickets has revealed the price ranges. According to The Athletic, tickets range from $60 (47 Swiss francs) to $6,370 (over 5,000 Swiss francs).

Group phase rates

• Matches without a host country: 47 francs (category 4)
• Opening match for the United States (Los Angeles): $560 / 435 francs
• Mexico's first match (Mexico City): $370 / 287 francs
• Canada's first game (Toronto): $355 / 276 francs
• Other group matches: approximately $100 / 80 francs

Final phase prices

• Round of 32: 83 to 147 francs
• Round of 16: 135 to 207 francs
• Quarters: 219 to 326 francs
• Semi-finals: 335 to 362 francs
• Match for 3rd place: 131 francs
• Final: 2030 francs (category 4) – up to over 5000 francs for VIP

Why such a price variation?

Ticket prices depend on both the seating category and the stadium's location. Seeing a match in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco will cost significantly more than in Monterrey or Guadalajara.

Furthermore, category 4 tickets (the cheapest) are limited in number, making popular access almost impossible.

Comparison with other international competitions

The World Cup thus becomes one of the most expensive sporting events in the world:

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games: tickets from 23 francs, finals around 670 francs.
• Wimbledon (tennis): men's final between 230 and 290 francs.
• Super Bowl (NFL): tickets between $4500 and $8000, close to World Cup prices.
• Champions League Final 2025 (Munich): from 70 to 690 euros (66 to 655 francs).

In comparison, only the Super Bowl and certain VIP events reach the price levels of the 2026 World Cup.

Popular worldwide… but not for every budget

Between costly travel to North America and tickets out of reach, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a global celebration reserved for a minority of privileged spectators.

The rest of the fans will have to turn to fan zones and public broadcasts to get excited about their team.