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World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Revealed: A Deep Dive into FIFA's Dynamic Pricing

The moment millions of fans have been waiting for has arrived. As of October 1st, the first wave of ticket applications for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is officially open, and with it comes the first look at the prices. What we've discovered confirms what many suspected: this will be the most expensive World Cup yet, driven by a dynamic pricing model that is already showing significant price variations based on the host city.

This guide will break down the official prices, analyze FIFA's strategy, and help you understand what it all means for your chances of catching a piece of the action.

Official World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices (USD)

Here is a consolidated breakdown of the FIFA 2026 ticket prices for each host city, with all prices in USD.

Atlanta

  • M14 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M25 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M38 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M50 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M73 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M80 (R32): Cat 1: $440, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $160, Cat 4: $125
  • M95 (R16): Cat 1: $590, Cat 2: $450, Cat 3: $220, Cat 4: $170
  • M102 (SF): Cat 1: $2,565, Cat 2: $1,775, Cat 3: $660, Cat 4: $420

Boston

  • M5 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M18 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M30 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M45 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M61 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M74 (R32): Cat 1: $440, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $160, Cat 4: $125
  • M97 (QF): Cat 1: $1,125, Cat 2: $765, Cat 3: $485, Cat 4: $290

Dallas

  • M11 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M22 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M43 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M57 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M70 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M78 (R32): Cat 1: $480, Cat 2: $360, Cat 3: $175, Cat 4: $135
  • M88 (R32): Cat 1: $480, Cat 2: $360, Cat 3: $175, Cat 4: $135
  • M93 (R16): Cat 1: $590, Cat 2: $450, Cat 3: $240, Cat 4: $155
  • M101 (SF): Cat 1: $2,780, Cat 2: $1,920, Cat 3: $720, Cat 4: $455

Guadalajara

  • M2 (Group): Cat 1: $325, Cat 2: $260, Cat 3: $120, Cat 4: $60
  • M28 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M48 (Group): Cat 1: $345, Cat 2: $260, Cat 3: $120, Cat 4: $60
  • M66 (Group): Cat 1: $360, Cat 2: $270, Cat 3: $125, Cat 4: $60

Houston

  • M10 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M23 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M36 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M47 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M65 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M76 (R32): Cat 1: $440, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $160, Cat 4: $125
  • M90 (R16): Cat 1: $590, Cat 2: $450, Cat 3: $220, Cat 4: $170

Kansas City

  • M19 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M34 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M58 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M69 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $70
  • M87 (R32): Cat 1: $440, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $160, Cat 4: $125
  • M100 (QF): Cat 1: $1,135, Cat 2: $770, Cat 3: $485, Cat 4: $275

Los Angeles

  • M4 (Group): Cat 1: $2,735, Cat 2: $1,940, Cat 3: $1,120, Cat 4: $560
  • M15 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M26 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M39 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $105
  • M59 (Group): Cat 1: $805, Cat 2: $605, Cat 3: $280, Cat 4: $140
  • M72 (R32): Cat 1: $685, Cat 2: $500, Cat 3: $240, Cat 4: $135
  • M84 (R32): Cat 1: $685, Cat 2: $500, Cat 3: $240, Cat 4: $135
  • M98 (QF): Cat 1: $1,690, Cat 2: $1,150, Cat 3: $725, Cat 4: $410

Mexico City

  • M1 (Group): Cat 1: $1,825, Cat 2: $1,290, Cat 3: $745, Cat 4: $370
  • M24 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M53 (Group): Cat 1: $535, Cat 2: $405, Cat 3: $185, Cat 4: $90
  • M79 (R32): Cat 1: $440, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $160, Cat 4: $125
  • M92 (R16): Cat 1: $590, Cat 2: $450, Cat 3: $220, Cat 4: $170

Miami

  • M13 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M27 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M49 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M71 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M86 (R32): Cat 1: $480, Cat 2: $360, Cat 3: $175, Cat 4: $135
  • M99 (QF): Cat 1: $1,220, Cat 2: $830, Cat 4: $305 (Cat 3 not available)
  • M103 (3rd Place): Cat 1: $1,000, Cat 2: $715, Cat 3: $360, Cat 4: $175

Monterrey

  • M12 (Group): Cat 1: $345, Cat 2: $260, Cat 3: $120, Cat 4: $60
  • M35 (Group): Cat 1: $345, Cat 2: $260, Cat 3: $120, Cat 4: $60
  • M54 (Group): Cat 1: $345, Cat 2: $270, Cat 3: $124, Cat 4: $60
  • M75 (R32): Cat 1: $370, Cat 2: $280, Cat 3: $135, Cat 4: $105

New York / New Jersey

  • M7 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $105
  • M17 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M41 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M56 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $105
  • M67 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $105
  • M91 (R16): Cat 1: $890, Cat 2: $675, Cat 3: $330, Cat 4: $210
  • M104 (Final): Cat 1: $6,730, Cat 2: $4,230, Cat 3: $2,790, Cat 4: $1,250

Philadelphia

  • M9 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M29 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M42 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M55 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M68 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M89 (R16): Cat 1: $640, Cat 2: $485, Cat 3: $240, Cat 4: $155

San Francisco Bay Area

  • M8 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $105
  • M20 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M31 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M44 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M60 (Group): Cat 1: $620, Cat 2: $465, Cat 3: $215, Cat 4: $60
  • M81 (R32): Cat 1: $685, Cat 2: $500, Cat 3: $240, Cat 4: $135

Seattle

  • M16 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M32 (Group): Cat 1: $535, Cat 2: $405, Cat 3: $185, Cat 4: $90
  • M52 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M63 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $60
  • M82 (R32): Cat 1: $440, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $160, Cat 4: $125
  • M94 (R16): Cat 1: $590, Cat 2: $450, Cat 3: $220, Cat 4: $170

Toronto

  • M3 (Group): Cat 1: $1,745, Cat 2: $1,240, Cat 3: $715, Cat 4: $355
  • M21 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M33 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $75
  • M46 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M62 (Group): Cat 1: $445, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $155, Cat 4: $60
  • M83 (R32): Cat 1: $480, Cat 2: $360, Cat 3: $175, Cat 4: $135

Vancouver

  • M6 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $140
  • M27 (Group): Cat 1: $475, Cat 2: $355, Cat 3: $165, Cat 4: $60
  • M40 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $140
  • M51 (Group): Cat 1: $475, Cat 2: $355, Cat 3: $165, Cat 4: $165
  • M64 (Group): Cat 1: $410, Cat 2: $310, Cat 3: $140, Cat 4: $140
  • M85 (R32): Cat 1: $440, Cat 2: $335, Cat 3: $160, Cat 4: $160
  • M96 (R16): Cat 1: $590, Cat 2: $450, Cat 3: $220, Cat 4: $220

Price Analysis: A City-by-City Look

One of the most striking takeaways from this first release is how much prices fluctuate from one city to another, even for matches in the same round. It’s clear that where you want to watch is just as important as who you want to watch.

The Final: The Most Expensive Ticket in History

The grand finale, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, is unsurprisingly commanding the highest prices.

Screenshot of the official FIFA ticket portal showing the prices for the World Cup 2026 Final match across Categories 1, 2, 3, and 4.

  • Category 1: $6,730
  • Category 2: $4,230
  • Category 3: $2,790
  • Category 4: $1,250

These prices represent a steep increase from previous tournaments, cementing the 2026 Final as the most premium ticket in World Cup history.

Semi-Finals: A Tale of Two Cities

Even at the semi-final stage, the host city plays a major role in pricing.

  • Dallas (AT&T Stadium): Category 1 - $2,780 | Category 2 - $1,920 | Category 3 - $720 | Category 4 - $455
  • Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium): Category 1 - $2,565 | Category 2 - $1,775 | Category 3 - $660 | Category 4 - $420

A Category 1 ticket in Dallas will cost you over $200 more than the same category in Atlanta, highlighting the "dynamic" nature of the pricing.

Quarter-Finals: Prices Vary Wildly Across the U.S.

The quarter-finals show the most dramatic price discrepancies so far.

  • Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium): Category 1 - $1,690 | Category 2 - $1,150 | Category 3 - $725 | Category 4 - $410
  • Miami (Hard Rock Stadium): Category 1 - $1,220 | Category 2 - $830 | Category 4 - $305
  • Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium): Category 1 - $1,135 | Category 2 - $770 | Category 3 - $485 | Category 4 - $275
  • Boston (Gillette Stadium): Category 1 - $1,125 | Category 2 - $765 | Category 3 - $485 | Category 4 - $290

A Category 1 seat in Los Angeles is over $500 more expensive than in Boston, and the cheapest ticket in LA ($410) costs more than the cheapest tickets in Miami, KC, and Boston combined.

Round of 16 & 32: Your First Knockout Stage Costs

The early knockout rounds also see significant price variations.

  • Round of 16, New York/New Jersey: Category 1 - $890
  • Round of 16, Philadelphia: Category 1 - $640
  • Round of 32, Los Angeles: Category 1 - $685
  • Round of 32, Boston: Category 1 - $440

Once again, location is key. A Round of 16 match in the New York area costs 40% more than one in Philadelphia for the same top-tier seating.

Group Stage Matches: A Look at the Hosts

The most dramatic price differences are in the group stage, particularly for matches featuring a host nation.

  • Mexico Opening Match (Mexico City, M1): Cat 4 - $370
  • Canada Opening Match (Toronto, M3): Cat 4 - $355
  • USA Opening Match (Los Angeles, M4): Cat 4 - $560

Compare this to a standard group stage match in the same cities:

  • Mexico City (M24): Cat 4 - $60
  • Toronto (M21): Cat 4 - $60
  • Los Angeles (M15): Cat 4 - $60

Attending a host nation's opening match will cost you 6-9 times more than any other group stage game in that same city.

An explanation of the four ticket categories for the 2026 World Cup, showing their general location in the stadium.

Understanding the Seating Categories

Not sure what the categories mean? FIFA divides stadium seating into four main tiers based on the view of the pitch.

  • Category 1: The most expensive seats, typically located along the sidelines with a prime view.
  • Category 2: Usually in the corners of the stadium or in the upper tiers along the sidelines.
  • Category 3: Located in the upper tiers behind the goals and in the corners.
  • Category 4: The most affordable option, located in the highest rows behind the goals.

For a visual breakdown of how these categories are laid out in each stadium, be sure to check out our World Cup 2026 Stadium Seat Maps and Ticket Categories Guide.

Decoding FIFA's Dynamic Pricing Strategy

The data makes one thing clear: FIFA is fully embracing dynamic pricing. But what does that mean, and why are they doing it?

What is Dynamic Pricing? Simply put, it means that prices are not fixed. They can and will change based on a variety of factors, with demand being the most important one. A match featuring two top-10 teams in a major city will cost significantly more than a match between two lower-ranked teams in a smaller market.

The 48-Team Effect This World Cup is the first to feature an expanded 48-team field. This means more matches, but it also increases the likelihood of group stage games that may not capture the imagination of the general public. A match between, for example, Uzbekistan and Panama, is unlikely to generate the same demand as a match featuring Brazil or Germany.

FIFA's Gamble This leads us to a theory about FIFA's strategy. By setting incredibly high initial prices for premium matches and popular venues, FIFA is likely trying to maximize its revenue upfront. They know that the prices for less desirable games will almost certainly drop in later sales phases as supply outstrips demand. By cashing in on the initial hype and the high-demand matches now, they can hedge against the financial risk of uninteresting games later on.

It’s a calculated gamble, but one that puts the financial burden squarely on the fans who are eager to lock in their tickets early.

How to Plan Your Ticket Purchase

With a blind draw and fluctuating prices, what is the best strategy? The key is to be informed and flexible. Since you don't know who will be playing where, focusing on the venue and the round might be your best bet.

But what if you could get a better idea of the possibilities? Our World Cup 2026 Draw Simulator allows you to run the draw and see all the potential matchups your favorite team could face, and in which cities. This can help you make a more strategic decision about which tickets to apply for.

For more in-depth strategies on navigating the ticket application process, be sure to read our other guides:

Conclusion

The initial ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have given us a fascinating, if somewhat daunting, look into FIFA's new strategy. Prices are higher than ever, and the dynamic model means that your dream ticket could be significantly more expensive depending on where the match is played.

However, this is just the beginning of the ticket sales process. There will be more phases and more opportunities to buy tickets. Stay informed, be strategic, and good luck!