The excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is already palpable. With ticket sales officially underway, FIFA has swiftly responded to an overwhelming demand by raising ticket prices just days after launching the initial sales phase.
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Price Hike Explained
FIFA’s “variable pricing” model, designed to adjust ticket costs based on demand, has led to price increases for several popular matches. The initial ticket release, which began on October 5, 2025, saw prices for key games, including the U.S. opener and the highly anticipated Final, go up shortly after tickets became available.
For example, Category 1 tickets for the U.S. men’s national team’s second group match saw a price jump from $535 (ZAR 10,165) to $565 (ZAR 10,735), and Category 3 tickets went up from $185 (ZAR 3,515) to $205 (ZAR 3,895). This trend was observed across various knockout-stage matches, with the price hike reflecting the intense competition for tickets.
2026 World Cup Ticket Prices in ZAR
The rising ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup reflect both demand and the value FIFA places on its marquee event. Here’s the updated ticket pricing in South African Rand (ZAR):
- Mexico Opener
- Category 1: ZAR 34,675
- Category 2: ZAR 24,510
- Category 3: ZAR 14,155
- Category 4: ZAR 7,030
- Canada Opener
- Category 1: ZAR 33,155
- Category 2: ZAR 23,560
- Category 3: ZAR 13,585
- Category 4: ZAR 6,745
- U.S. Opener
- Category 1: ZAR 51,965
- Category 2: ZAR 36,860
- Category 3: ZAR 21,280
- Category 4: ZAR 10,640
- Group Stage Matches
- Category 1: ZAR 6,555 – ZAR 15,295
- Category 2: ZAR 4,940 – ZAR 11,495
- Category 3: ZAR 2,280 – ZAR 5,320
- Category 4: ZAR 1,140 – ZAR 2,660
- Third Place Match
- Category 1: ZAR 19,000
- Category 2: ZAR 13,585
- Category 3: ZAR 6,840
- Category 4: ZAR 3,135
- Final Match
- Category 1: ZAR 121,030
- Category 2: ZAR 53,010
- Category 3: ZAR 38,570
- Category 4: ZAR 24,510
Secondary Market and Resale Prices
As the tournament approaches, fans who were able to secure tickets early have begun listing them for resale at significantly higher prices, making the secondary market a key factor in ticket pricing. FIFA’s resale platform allows users to trade tickets, and FIFA takes a 15% fee from each transaction, increasing its share of the revenue from resold tickets.
Additionally, FIFA has launched the “Right To Buy” (RTB) tokens, which offer fans the opportunity to bypass the ticket lottery. However, these tokens only guarantee access to purchase tickets for specific matches, not the actual price of the ticket itself. The tokens have already sold out for some games, raising additional revenue for FIFA.
What This Means for Fans
The soaring ticket prices have left many fans frustrated, especially with the high demand for tickets. However, FIFA has stated that the price increases are in response to the overwhelming interest in the 2026 World Cup.
For South African fans hoping to attend, the rising prices may be a barrier, but they also highlight the growing demand for international sporting events. Whether it’s the prestige of watching world-class football or experiencing the festival atmosphere, getting tickets for the 2026 World Cup will require both early action and a significant financial investment.
Check also: The Road to 2026 World Cup: How Many Teams Will Qualify from Each Continent?
While the increase in ticket prices has sparked debate, it reflects FIFA’s strategy of capitalising on high demand for one of the most significant sporting events in the world. For those eager to be part of the action, the early release phase is likely to be the most cost-effective opportunity.
Fans will need to act quickly if they want to secure tickets at a lower price, especially for high-demand games such as the final. Keep in mind that prices will likely continue to rise as the tournament draws closer.
