 "World Cup final tickets soar to Rs 10 lakh; FIFA slammed over chaotic sales: 'Disgusting greed'")
FIFA is receiving backlash once again as the prices for tickets for the upcoming World Cup have been raised further in the latest sales window that opened on Wednesday. Fans are also criticising FIFA for a sales process that has now turned chaotic amid high charges and high demand.
The 2026 World Cup takes place across the United States, Mexico and Canada in June-July with the tournament expanded to 48 teams for the first time in its history. Tickets were up for sale on Wednesday but with even higher prices. While the prices touched sky, fans were also left fuming over the sales process which forced many on social media to voice out their displeasure.
World Cup ticketing drama continues
The biggest-ever World Cup also came with the highest-ever price tag for tickets. FIFA is likely to break the 1994 record of 3.5 million tickets sold, which is the highest ever for a World Cup. However, due to the ‘dynamic pricing’ system adopted for the tournament, the ticket prices fluctuate depending on demand. The latest round of ticket sales also saw steep hikes.
The most expensive “Category 1” tickets for the final will now cost over Rs 10 lakhs ($10990). The same tickets were priced at $8700 during the last round of sales.
Other tickets, especially for games involving Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany and co-host Mexico, also witnessed price rise. The hikes were smaller for the group games but increased substantially for the later rounds.
FIFA has faced a lot of criticism for the heavy pricing for this event. In fact, the Football Supporters Europe (FSE) group also filed a complaint against FIFA over high prices of tickets at the World Cup.
The global body had issued $60 tickets after backlash that were reserved exclusively for official supporters’ clubs. However, the ticketing process too has now been marred with controversy.
Fans left frustrated with ticket sales process
The latest sales window further increased the fury of fans against FIFA as many of them faced serious trouble in the ticketing process.
Millions queued up online for lottery-style draws or first-come, first-served ticket windows, only to encounter technical glitches, sudden price fluctuations, and limited availability in affordable categories.
According to ESPN, some fans were redirected to wrong queues when they clicked on the ticket link who clicked on what FIFA termed as the “last-minute sales phase” link.
Fans absolutely blasted the football governing body for the process. Here are some of the reactions from frustrated fans.
5 hour wait just to see “ limited availability” and even then they had no tickets available. Horrible set up by @FIFAcom @BBBTriCounties all focused on extreme profit. All tickets have been listed on 3rd party sellers for 2-10x the price. The worlds game is not for the world
— Cesar (@TheCesarSalad27) April 1, 2026
has anyone successfully gotten past this? pic.twitter.com/VsrWYlzcWB
— peter (@peet2) April 1, 2026
@FIFAWorldCup absolute joke and disgrace. Most unprofessional handling of World Cup tickets in 20 years. pic.twitter.com/rxiWYLbZZY
— A Pepe (@a_pep11) April 1, 2026
This World Cup is a joke, one big con job. Trains are 4x cost of NFL game. Parking is 4x cost of NFL spot. Tickets to Ecuador v Curaçao are $1500 for the worst seats. Sorry @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup I'll pass. Your greed is disgusting, you can stick it! FIFA, more like ThiefA. https://t.co/GDq1ZIN33G
— New York Canaries (@NYCanaries) April 2, 2026
Don't mess up your World Cup FIFA ticket chances!
— Brook Heron (@Brook_Heron) April 1, 2026
If your text says, "PMA Late Qualifier Supporters Sales Phase" where I've highlighted it in blue. You are in the wrong link!! This is FIFA's fault, as they initially linked the wrong one at the top of the portal!!
Good luck!🏴 pic.twitter.com/ygWycljxop
American sports fans can’t relate to sports corporations not prioritising greed over thinking about compassion for the fans https://t.co/5fUkRBogMh
— JaceOrAce🦉 (@JaceorAce) March 31, 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 begins June 11 with the final taking place on July 19.
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