The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and fans are already feeling the buzz as ticket sales begin. FIFA has confirmed that the first wave of tickets will be available starting September 10, 2025, through a Visa-only presale lottery. But while the excitement builds, the ticketing system itself is sparking plenty of debate.
Dynamic Pricing: A First for the World Cup
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is introducing a dynamic pricing system that adjusts ticket costs based on demand. That means group-stage seats may start around \$60, but prices for knockout rounds and the final could shoot up into the thousands, with the most expensive tickets reportedly reaching \ $6,730.
This system mirrors airline and concert ticket models, where the more people want a seat, the higher the price goes. While FIFA argues that it creates “fair market value,” fans are worried it could put once-in-a-lifetime matches out of reach for regular supporters.
How the Presale Works
- The Visa presale lottery runs from September 10 to September 19, 2025.
- Fans need a FIFA ticketing account and a Visa card to register.
- About 1 million tickets are being released in this phase.
- Selected applicants will be notified by late September and assigned a slot to complete their purchase in October.
Each buyer will be limited to four tickets per match and up to ten matches total during this presale phase.
Ticket Categories Explained
FIFA has reorganized ticket categories to reflect stadium layouts in North America:
- Category 1: Lower bowl seats, closest to the action.
- Category 2: Suites and premium mid-level seating.
- Category 3 & 4: Upper-level seats, more budget-friendly options.
This structure is aimed at giving fans more clarity, but with dynamic pricing in play, even “budget” categories might climb quickly in cost.
Official Resale Market to Launch
To prevent scalping, FIFA is preparing an official resale platform later this year. In Mexico, this will be coordinated with PROFECO, the country’s consumer protection agency, to comply with local laws.
Fan Backlash Over Pricing
The biggest controversy surrounds affordability. Critics argue that FIFA’s dynamic pricing caters more to corporate buyers and tourists than to everyday fans. In New York, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has even launched a “Game Over Greed” campaign, calling for ticket price caps and discounted allocations for locals. So far, FIFA hasn’t budged.
My Take: Will Passion Outweigh Pricing?
The World Cup is about more than just football; it’s about culture, unity, and memories that last a lifetime. While FIFA is looking to maximize revenue with dynamic pricing, the risk is alienating the very fans who give the tournament its soul. For a sport built on accessibility and community, this move feels like a gamble.
Still, history shows that when the World Cup comes around, fans find a way to fill stadiums. Whether through presale lotteries, resale platforms, or sheer determination, the passion of supporters may once again outweigh the hurdles of cost.
Final Word
If you’re aiming to attend, the best move right now is to register for the Visa presale lottery starting September 10. Get your FIFA ticketing account set up, prepare your budget, and act quickly when your purchase window opens.
For now, the race for tickets is almost as fierce as the action we’ll see on the pitch in 2026.
