FIFA is facing a wave of intense criticism from fans and supporter groups worldwide as ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup final have officially soared to nearly $11,000.

The price hike, revealed during a newly reopened sales phase on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, has ignited a debate over the accessibility of the sport’s most prestigious event.

While the initial top-tier prices set in December were already high at $8,680, the latest figures show a significant surge. According to official data, the most expensive seats for the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 are now listed at $10,990.

The price increases have impacted multiple categories:

Category 2: Rose from $5,575 to $7,380.

Category 3: Jumped from $4,185 to $5,785.

These figures represent a nearly 500% increase compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the cheapest final tickets were approximately $600.

Fan organizations have been quick to condemn the pricing strategy. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) described the move as a “monumental betrayal,” arguing that FIFA is pricing out the very fans who provide the atmosphere and soul of the tournament.

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) in the UK echoed these sentiments, calling the costs a “laughable insult” to the average supporter.

Critics have pointed out that the original 2018 bid document for the 2026 tournament promised tickets as low as $21, a figure that now seems a distant memory.

The official prices are only part of the problem. On FIFA’s official resale platform, prices have reached even more astronomical levels, with some “Category 1” seats reportedly listed for over $140,000 by third-party sellers. FIFA maintains that it acts only as a facilitator on the resale platform, though it does collect a 15% fee on every transaction.

The release of these high-priced tickets was further marred by technical issues. Fans reported significant glitches on the FIFA website as they attempted to navigate the newly reopened sales phase.

These errors, combined with the “variable pricing” model, have left many supporters feeling that the World Cup is no longer a tournament for the people, but an exclusive event for the ultra-wealthy.

As the 48-team field is now finalized and the countdown to June 11 begins, the governing body remains under pressure to address whether the “beautiful game” is becoming a luxury most can no longer afford.