FIFA has announced that dynamic pricing will be implemented for tickets to the 2026 World Cup starting from the sales launch next week. The same approach was used for this year’s Club World Cup and, in the UK, sparked numerous complaints from fans purchasing tickets for Oasis’s reunion tour.
Alongside dynamic pricing, FIFA officials revealed initial price details for the tournament, with the least expensive tickets starting at $60 (£44) and the most costly—for premium seats at the final—beginning at $6,730 (£5,760). No intermediate price ranges were disclosed.
Under dynamic pricing, these initial costs are likely to increase significantly. This marks the first men’s World Cup to adopt the strategy, where prices adjust based on demand, similar to surge pricing in ride-hailing services.
The use of dynamic pricing has grown over the past decade, significantly benefiting ticketing firms. LiveNation, Ticketmaster’s parent company, reached record revenue in 2024, partly attributed to this method. However, the approach has drawn criticism from fans unable to afford tickets, particularly in cases like Oasis’s tour and the previous FA Cup final.
FIFA defended the decision, stating it aligns with practices in the U.S. and Canada, where demand-based pricing is widely accepted. Officials also cited the financial benefits for FIFA’s 211 member nations. No analysis was conducted to assess potential revenue without dynamic pricing, indicating the decision was never seriously questioned.
The pricing model will take effect during the first sales phase, starting 10 September. Prices will vary depending on demand, meaning some matches may have higher minimum costs before the tournament draw even takes place.
During the 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA tested dynamic pricing with mixed outcomes. Prices surged initially but dropped sharply—sometimes to as low as $13.40 (£10)—when stadiums remained unfilled. However, World Cup demand is far higher, and a FIFA official confirmed prices will not fall below $60 this time.
### Adjustments to Ticket Categories
FIFA also outlined changes to how tickets will be categorized for the World Cup, distinct from previous tournaments.
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