Football fans hoping to attend the 2026 World Cup in North America are facing staggering price increases on FIFA's official resale platform, with some tickets selling for eleven times their original value.
Official Platform, Unofficial Prices
The shocking price surge is happening directly through FIFA's authorized resale channel, where tickets are regularly listed at five to eleven times their face value. This development comes just one week before teams discover their group stage opponents, adding to concerns that genuine supporters are being priced out of the tournament.
In Toronto, Canada, tickets for a group match on June 23 between two yet-to-be-determined teams originally cost $60 (approximately £45.43). Those same tickets are now listed on the official resale site for $671 (£508.04) including fees - representing an 1100% increase.
Widespread Ticket Inflation
This isn't an isolated case. Another group stage match scheduled for Monday, June 22 in Dallas, Texas has seen similar inflation, with tickets jumping from $60 to $445. Even premium Category 1 tickets, which offer the best stadium views, haven't been spared from the dramatic price hikes.
A game in Boston, Massachusetts on June 13 initially sold Category 1 seats for $410, but they're now being resold for over $1,000 after taxes. Fans across social media platforms are expressing frustration, calling the situation unfair and questioning how average supporters can afford such prices.
Growing Fan Concerns
The timing of these price surges is particularly concerning as the tournament draw approaches. Once teams learn their opponents, demand for specific matches is expected to increase further, potentially driving prices even higher. Many football enthusiasts worry that the World Cup, traditionally considered a global celebration of football, is becoming increasingly inaccessible to the average fan.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in ticketing for major sporting events, where official resale platforms intended to provide safe purchasing options sometimes facilitate extreme price speculation. With the tournament still months away, questions remain about whether FIFA will implement measures to address the affordability crisis facing football fans worldwide.
