FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket prices and empty stadiums draw criticism

FIFA is using dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup across the 11 U.S., three Mexican and two Canadian venues, resulting in record‑high ticket prices that have reached five‑figure levels. Low‑priced Category 3 seats are scarce, with only a few matches still offering tickets under $200.

Images from early matches, such as South Korea versus the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, show large sections of empty seats despite an official attendance figure of 44,985. Critics argue that the steep prices have suppressed demand, noting that thousands of tickets remain unsold while FIFA claims 500 million ticket requests.

The resale market adds to the controversy. FIFA’s own platform takes a 15 % cut from both buyer and seller, and third‑party sites like StubHub and SeatGeek list tickets for the final at $7,986 to $9,085. Comparisons with U.S. sports events, such as the Super Bowl, highlight the relative expense of World Cup tickets.

The situation has sparked broader debate about FIFA’s ticketing strategy, revenue expectations, and the fan experience for the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.