A New York Post employee found among his father’s belongings a ticket from the 1994 World Cup: Germany vs. Spain, Soldier Field, Chicago. Printed price: $45. Parking included: $10 more. Total for the day: 55 dollars to watch a World Cup match.
At the 2026 World Cup, which kicked off on June 11, the cheapest resale group-stage tickets start at $170. High-profile matches exceed $1,000. And FIFA’s premium ticket for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey reaches $32,970 — the first time in history that the organization has applied dynamic pricing. The average price rose 1,000% adjusted for inflation, while real wages in the U.S. grew only 32% over the same period.
Is it the fair price of an event now worth billions, or has FIFA shut the stadium doors to the usual fans?
