The FIFA World Cup is the sporting biggest event — not just in soccer — in the entire world, pulling in billions of viewers.
And now it’s coming close to home. Unfortunately, that might not equal the possibility of watching a live match for many fans, as ticket prices are poised to hit record numbers.
The 2026 finals are set to be the largest in the tournament’s history, with matches held in three countries for the first time, moving across North America. It will also feature a record 48 teams competing. This expansion aims to give more countries the chance to play on the world’s biggest stage.
There will be a total of 16 host cities: 11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
The tournament will begin June 11 in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca and conclude July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, lasting 39 days. The decision to hold the opening match in Mexico City carries symbolic weight, as Estadio Azteca is one of the most historic venues in World Cup history, having hosted the finals in 1970 and 1986.
U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle. Mexico will host matches in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. Canada will host in Vancouver and Toronto.
The 2026 World Cup marks the tournament’s return to North America for the first time in 32 years, since the United States hosted in 1994. That year, Brazil secured a nail-biting victory over Italy after a 0-0 draw. Roberto Baggio famously missed his penalty kick, sealing Brazil’s 3-2 win in the shootout.
Due to the World Cup’s popularity, tickets are rarely cheap. In the 2022 finals held at Qatar’s Stadium 974, the most expensive ticket sold for around $1,600. Tickets for 2026 went on sale in mid-September and have reached record highs. Fans expressed shock at the prices, with many calling them “unrealistic” and “exclusive to the wealthy” on social media.
For the opening match in Mexico, ticket prices range from $3,000 to $110,000. For matches leading up to the final, prices are more modest, ranging from $300 to $15,000. These costs make it nearly impossible for many die-hard soccer fans to attend what would be their dream match.
It would be a mistake to assume the final match tickets couldn’t be more expensive. Tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium range from $6,000 to $1 million, highlighting concerns that the event caters to the rich and fortunate, rather than the die-hard fans.
When factoring in flights, hotels and food, the cost of attending the final with the most expensive ticket could total nearly 14 times the average annual household income in the United States. While the tournament is expected to generate billions in tourism revenue, it also raises questions about affordability, economic inequality and corporate influence in major sports events.
As the tournament approaches, prices may drop, though how much remains uncertain. There’s also a chance prices will rise again due to resellers seeking maximum profit.
Until then, fans will look forward to seeing defending champion Argentina return to the pitch, aiming for back-to-back titles — a feat only achieved by Brazil and Italy.
With stars like Lionel Messi possibly making his final World Cup appearance, anticipation is high. Soccer fans around the world are counting down the days until kickoff, ready for what could be the most incredible World Cup yet.