Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 3: FIFA has significantly increased ticket prices for the World Cup final, with the most premium seats now costing up to $10,990 (Rs 8.81 lakh), sparking concerns among fans during a troubled reopening of ticket sales.
The final, scheduled at MetLife Stadium on July 19, has seen sharp price hikes across categories. Category-two tickets have risen to $7,380, while category-three tickets now cost $5,785. Earlier, the top-tier tickets were priced at $8,680 following the December draw.
Tickets for matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico are being sold through a dynamic pricing system, where costs fluctuate based on demand—an approach that has drawn criticism from fans.
The latest ticket release was marred by technical glitches, with users facing long wait times and confusion over availability. Some buyers were redirected to special queues meant for supporters of teams that recently qualified through playoffs.
This marks the fifth phase of ticket sales, with FIFA stating that this is the first phase allowing fans to select specific seats. Earlier phases included pre-sale draws and random allocation rounds.
In response to criticism over rising costs, FIFA has introduced a limited number of lower-priced tickets at $57 for distribution by national federations to loyal fans. It also operates an official resale platform, charging a 15 per cent commission from both buyers and sellers.
The sharp increase in prices and technical issues have raised concerns about accessibility and transparency as the tournament approaches.