US-based fans will be eager to secure tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, but can they afford it? The cost of attending a major international sporting event is already steep, with prices ranging from £45 to £5,915. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
To get their hands on tickets, fans will need to enter a ballot, which could be the start of a long and arduous process. The main ticket ballot opens on Thursday, but it's not clear how many tickets will be available or what prices they'll be sold for.
For those who are willing to shell out the big bucks, there are options like Platinum Access - a luxurious experience that promises "the ultimate in hospitality." These packages can cost thousands of pounds and include premium seating, lounge access, and upmarket dining. However, these prices haven't been officially announced, and it's unclear how much they'll set fans back.
Meanwhile, the US government has warned fans about the need for visas, even if their ticket is guaranteed entry to the host country. The rules vary by nationality, but UK citizens are generally eligible for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), while Canada requires most visitors to obtain a visa or eTA. Mexico offers visa-free entry to many nationalities, including those from the UK.
The ballot system has been criticized as being unfair, with some groups accused of having an advantage over others. FIFA's pricing model has also raised eyebrows, with Football Supporters Europe warning of "record high prices" and "huge financial risks."
So how much will a trip to the 2026 World Cup cost? The cheapest tickets for England and Scotland's group games are already listed on the black market at more than £450. However, fans who opt for official hospitality packages can expect to pay thousands of pounds.
Ultimately, getting tickets for the 2026 World Cup will require a combination of luck, strategy, and a significant budget. Will fans be able to afford it? Only time will tell.
To get their hands on tickets, fans will need to enter a ballot, which could be the start of a long and arduous process. The main ticket ballot opens on Thursday, but it's not clear how many tickets will be available or what prices they'll be sold for.
For those who are willing to shell out the big bucks, there are options like Platinum Access - a luxurious experience that promises "the ultimate in hospitality." These packages can cost thousands of pounds and include premium seating, lounge access, and upmarket dining. However, these prices haven't been officially announced, and it's unclear how much they'll set fans back.
Meanwhile, the US government has warned fans about the need for visas, even if their ticket is guaranteed entry to the host country. The rules vary by nationality, but UK citizens are generally eligible for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), while Canada requires most visitors to obtain a visa or eTA. Mexico offers visa-free entry to many nationalities, including those from the UK.
The ballot system has been criticized as being unfair, with some groups accused of having an advantage over others. FIFA's pricing model has also raised eyebrows, with Football Supporters Europe warning of "record high prices" and "huge financial risks."
So how much will a trip to the 2026 World Cup cost? The cheapest tickets for England and Scotland's group games are already listed on the black market at more than £450. However, fans who opt for official hospitality packages can expect to pay thousands of pounds.
Ultimately, getting tickets for the 2026 World Cup will require a combination of luck, strategy, and a significant budget. Will fans be able to afford it? Only time will tell.