FIFA Set to Use Dynamic Pricing for World Cup 2026 Tickets

For the first time at a men’s World Cup, FIFA is rolling out a dynamic pricing system for tickets. Instead of sticking to fixed price bands, the cost will shift depending on demand, meaning fans could see prices rise or drop as sales go on. At the cheaper end, group-stage matches will start at about $60, which FIFA says keeps the competition accessible. But for the bigger games, especially the final, the price could shoot into the thousands, putting them out of reach for many. The move has already divided opinion. Supporters of the idea call it a modern and efficient approach, pointing out that concerts and big sporting events use similar models. Others are uneasy, warning that it risks turning the World Cup into something only wealthier fans can truly enjoy. What was meant to be football’s most unifying event could end up highlighting the gap between those who can afford the best seats and those who can’t.

How will New Ticketing System for FIFA World Cup 2026 Work?

The new process kicks off on September 10, when fans worldwide, at least those with Visa cards, FIFA’s payment partner, can submit applications in a lottery-style draw. The window will close on September 19, with successful applicants being notified on September 29. Those who get through will then be able to buy tickets starting from October 01. To ensure that demand doesn’t spiral out of control, each person can only apply for up to four tickets per match and a maximum of ten matches across the tournament. Alongside the pricing shift, FIFA has also restructured how seating categories are defined. In past tournaments, tickets were priced mainly on how close a seat was to the pitch, sideline, behind the goal, or corner view. For 2026, the categories will instead reflect stadium levels, a structure more familiar to fans in the United States, where the event is being co-hosted.

It’s a subtle but significant change, and one FIFA believes will align expectations in a market where ticket segmentation is already common practice. Scalping, a headache for every major sports event, is another area FIFA is attempting to tackle. To limit profiteering, an official resale platform is being rolled out, allowing fans to return or sell tickets within a controlled environment. In Mexico, this will take the form of a tightly regulated “exchange,” where resale prices cannot exceed face value, a direct response to the country’s legal framework and concerns about ticket abuse. By managing resales themselves, FIFA hopes to reassure fans that they won’t be forced into the inflated secondary market that so often follows high-demand events.

Why has FIFA Opted for Dynamic Pricing?

FIFA says the new pricing system is about boosting revenue and keeping stadiums full, with money eventually going back to its 211 member associations. The idea isn’t new; concerts and American sports have used it for years, with prices shifting up or down depending on demand.
But for fans, that doesn’t make it easier to swallow. Concerts like the Oasis reunion or big sports finals have shown how quickly tickets can shoot beyond what ordinary supporters can pay. Critics worry the same will happen with the World Cup, turning what should be a global festival into an event only the wealthy can fully enjoy. What makes the move even more controversial is that FIFA hasn’t released any study comparing this system with fixed pricing. That gap has fueled the feeling that the decision is less about fan access and more about squeezing extra income. For many, it raises an uncomfortable question: Is the World Cup still for everyone, or just for those who can afford it?