World Cup Ticket Resale Prices Plunge Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Three weeks before kickoff, resale prices for FIFA World Cup tickets have dropped. Ticketdata.com, aggregating StubHub, SeatGeek and other listings, shows USMNT tickets fell more than 30 percent, with the June 25 match versus Turkey down 44 percent. Resale values fell 22 percent, and several group-stage games posted declines over 40 percent.

Newsweek

FIFA priced all 104 matches at levels, betting 2026 tournament—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, Mexico—would generate demand. President Gianni Infantino described expected interest as “1,000 years of World Cups at once.” The organization continues to release tickets in waves, yet resale prices remain above those of prior World Cups, indicating a mismatch between seller expectations and buyer willingness.

Newsweek

Average resale decline 22 percent (30 days); USMNT games down 38 percent; falls: Iraq vs Norway (-57 percent), Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (-52 percent), US vs Turkey (-44 percent); USMNT seats $700–$1,000; exceptions: Saudi vs Uruguay up 3 percent, Qatar vs Switzerland unchanged.

Newsweek

FIFA reiterated its plan to issue tickets in batches through summer. The U.S. Department of State announced a waiver of the $15,000 visa-deposit for travelers holding a World Cup ticket. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) reported that 80 percent of hotel owners in host markets see bookings below forecasts, with 65–70 percent citing visa hurdles and geopolitical concerns.

Newsweek

Experts argue FIFA’s uniform high-price model ignored differences in match appeal. They warn early-stage games may never reach the price points set for later rounds, prompting many fans to postpone purchases in hopes of lower prices. The criticism calls the situation a “disaster” for ticket distribution and tournament revenue.

Newsweek

While most matches show price drops, Saudi vs Uruguay rose 3 percent and Qatar vs Switzerland stayed flat, revealing uneven market dynamics. FIFA has not released attendance forecasts or market projections, leaving analysts without a baseline to assess the impact of the price erosion.

Newsweek

• “FIFA overestimated [the] ticket demand forecast and it is biting them hard,” — Scott Friedman, host, *Ticket Talk*

Newsweek

• “FIFA priced tickets too high for all 104 games, complete disaster, and they will be forced to drop them all greatly in next 30+ days,” — Scott Friedman, host, *Ticket Talk*

Newsweek

• “FIFA made a bet that demand for the World Cup would be strong enough to support aggressive pricing for all 104 matches, but the odds on that bet were always uneven across games,” — Kate Ashley, professor, Northeastern University

Newsweek

• “She added that, given the ongoing declines, many buyers may now be “sitting on the sidelines” in expectation of prices falling further, resulting in even steeper drops.” — Kate Ashley, professor, Northeastern University

Newsweek

FIFA plans ticket-release waves through July, which could increase competition and push resale values lower. The State Department’s visa-deposit waiver may boost travel, but its effect on ticket demand remains uncertain. Analysts note that demand appears lackluster, suggesting price volatility may persist as the market aligns with fan interest before the tournament’s opening.

Newsweek