World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Draw Backlash as Resale Listings Soar Ahead of Kickoff

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is generating huge demand before a single ball has been kicked, but ticket affordability has also become one of the tournament's biggest talking points.

At the time of publication, some resale listings for the final at MetLife Stadium were reaching roughly $34,000, while semi-final seats in Dallas were listed even higher on secondary platforms. Those figures describe resale listings rather than official FIFA face values, but they still fueled a wider debate about affordability.

Political reaction and supporter backlash quickly followed. Critics argued that the resale market and pricing environment risked pushing ordinary fans away from the tournament experience.

With hotels also surging and visa complications deterring some international fans, the affordability conversation has expanded beyond match tickets alone.