The official ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is named «Trionda». Photo: Reuters© Reuters
FIFA has stepped back from implementing dynamic pricing across all tickets for the 2026 World Cup, easing concerns over soaring costs for fans attending the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The shift comes just days before Friday’s tournament draw in Washington, D.C., which former U.S. president Donald Trump is expected to attend. Supporters will find out their teams’ exact match locations and dates on Saturday.
Dynamic pricing, where ticket prices rise and fall based on demand, has never been used at a World Cup. Reports of potential price spikes prompted criticism from England and Scotland fans, who shared screenshots of high projected prices circulating online.
In a statement to Sky News, FIFA confirmed that fixed-price «ringfenced» ticket allocations will be set aside for certain fan groups, including supporters of participating national teams, who will receive 8% of seats for each match they play. These tickets will remain at set prices throughout the next sales phase.
FIFA said group-stage tickets will start at $60, while the most expensive seats for the final will cost up to $6,730. A fixed-price sales window will open from 11 December to 13 January, with applications handled through a random draw.
The tournament mascots as seen in Mexico in October. Poto: Reuters
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations. Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales still have a chance to qualify.
Defending its pricing model, FIFA said it reflects North American market norms and aims to ensure «fair access» while countering inflated resale markets. The organisation also stressed that stadium seating maps do not represent final ticket availability by category.
The debate over affordability is likely to continue as fans prepare for what will be the most logistically complex World Cup in history.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Cristiano Ronaldo may be heading into his sixth and final World Cup in 2026, but the 40-year-old forward has not ruled out extending his international career to Euro 2028.
