FIFA has ignited a firestorm among football fans by quietly rolling out new ultra-premium ticket categories for the 2026 World Cup, sending prices soaring and transforming the world’s biggest sporting event into an exclusive playground for the super-rich.

The most jaw-dropping hike hits the opening match between the United States and Paraguay. A Category 1 ticket in the closest “pitchside” sections now costs up to $4,105 — a mᴀssive leap from the previous cap of $2,735. FIFA also slipped in a new “near-pitch” Category 2 tier priced between $1,940 and $2,330, again without any public announcement.

Similar sticker-shock increases have appeared across the tournament. Canada’s opening game in Toronto now offers top seats at $3,360, while certain Round of 16 matches in Philadelphia reach $905 for the best remaining spots.

The grand final has suffered the heaviest blow: the most expensive Category 1 ticket has rocketed to a staggering $10,990 (up from $8,680). Category 2 now tops out at $7,380 and Category 3 at $5,785.

By carving prime seating into even more exclusive (and expensive) sub-zones, FIFA is clearly maximizing revenue from the 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Despite fierce backlash accusing the organization of pricing ordinary fans out of the sport, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains unfazed. He insists all 104 matches will sell out. In a bid to soften the criticism, the governing body has added some more affordable supporter tickets — but the controversy shows no sign of fading.

World Cup 2026: now officially the most expensive ticket in football history.