FIFA has significantly increased the price of its top-tier tickets for the FIFA World Cup final, offering seats priced at $32,970 for the July 19 match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, starting Thursday.
The organization categorized these seats as front category 1 on its sales platform, coinciding with Congressional inquiries into the ticketing structure and calls for greater transparency from FIFA regarding ticket prices.
Previously, FIFA’s highest ticket price for category 1 seats at the final was $10,990. However, on Thursday evening, that price was applicable only for wheelchair-accessible seats in the same category.
Tickets for the July 14 semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas were priced at $11,130, $4,330, $3,710, and $2,705, while those for the semifinal on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta were listed at $10,635, $3,545, and $2,725.
For the opening match of the United States against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, tickets were available for $2,735, $1,940, and $1,120. The price for the Americans’ June 19 match against Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle was set at $2,715, and for their group-stage finale against Türkiye on June 25 in Inglewood, tickets were priced at $2,970, $1,345, $990, and $840.
New Jersey Democratic Representatives Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone Jr. sent a letter earlier Thursday to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, expressing concerns regarding what they called the organization’s “opaque” dynamic pricing practices and its impact on fans.
In their letter, they stated, “We are deeply concerned by reports that FIFA is employing opaque pricing, shifting rules, and potentially deceptive practices that are making it difficult for fans to access seats. We seek more information about these ticketing practices and how FIFA is ensuring the World Cup is affordable for all.”
Infantino defended the ticket prices, stating, “We must consider the market. The entertainment sector in this country is highly developed, and thus we must set prices accordingly.” He added, “In the U.S., ticket resale is permitted, so if we set ticket prices too low, they will subsequently be sold at higher rates. In fact, our prices often end up being lower than those on the resale market, where tickets can exceed double our listed prices.”
He further remarked, “You cannot attend a college game in the U.S., let alone a high-level professional game, for less than $300.”
While ticket prices for events like the Super Bowl and College Football National Championship can be comparable to those for some World Cup matches, tickets for other college and professional sports events in the U.S., including the ongoing NBA playoffs, are often available for under $300.
On FIFA’s resale/exchange platform, tickets for the final were listed Thursday with prices ranging from $11,499,998.85 to $8,970. The highest price was for a seat four rows from the top of the upper deck in section 307.
FIFA does not regulate asking prices on its resale marketplace but charges a 15% fee on purchases and a 15% resale fee for sellers.
Last month, tickets for the final had been listed at an astonishing $2,299,998.85.
Infantino commented, “The presence of tickets listed at $2 million on the secondary market does not imply that those tickets are actually worth that much or that anyone will buy them. If someone does purchase a ticket for $2 million, I will personally deliver a hot dog and a Coke to ensure they have a great experience.”
Another area of concern regarding costs for this summer’s World Cup involves transportation to and from games, specifically for those intending to use New Jersey Transit to reach MetLife Stadium.
The anticipated round-trip fare of $150 is being reduced to $105, although this is still significantly higher than the typical round-trip fare of approximately $13 from Manhattan’s Penn Station to the stadium.
A spokesperson for Governor Mikie Sherrill indicated that the governor had instructed the transit agency to explore private funding sources to mitigate the fare increase.
“The Governor appreciates the contributions of companies that have already helped lower costs for ticket holders,” stated Steve Sigmund, Sherrill’s spokesperson. “She will continue to advocate for a World Cup experience that benefits both fans and all New Jersey residents.”
FIFA representatives declined to comment on Thursday. The organization previously expressed concerns that New Jersey’s elevated transit costs could adversely affect attendance, highlighting that other U.S. host cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston are maintaining their transportation fares.
MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, will host eight World Cup matches, including the final. Group stage matches featuring soccer powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Germany, and England are set to begin on June 13.
Contributions to this report were made by ESPN writers T.J. Quinn and Anthony Olivieri, along with information from The Associated Press.