Next year’s World Cup will see tickets sold with dynamic pricing, FIFA has confirmed in a controversial move.
Initially, ticket prices will range from $60 (£44.69) for the group stages to an astonishing $6,730 (£5,013) for the final, though they might fluctuate due to dynamic pricing.
This pricing model was controversial earlier this year during Oasis’ tour, where £135 standing tickets were relabeled as ‘in demand’ and surged to £355 on Ticketmaster, plus additional fees.
‘While we have committed to the starting point we will apply variable pricing from day one of the process.
‘We do not intend at all to change prices every five minutes.’
The next World Cup will feature dynamic ticket pricing, FIFA has confirmed to much chagrin
Thousands of England fans are expected to attend but they could be hit hard in the wallet
Fans will first have a chance to snatch up some tickets on September 10 via a lottery.
But this announcement, confirming a story which The Times broke earlier this year, has left supporters livid on social media.
One person commented on X: ‘Shocking. FIFA talks about inclusivity but then uses this strategy for profit. Fans are being exploited, paying beyond their means to watch their country play. Football should be accessible to all. A disappointing day for fans.’
Another commented: ‘Ridiculous, football in the US is still emerging, and instead of fostering local support by filling stadiums, the focus is on money. Expect participation levels similar to the Club World Cup.’
‘Gonna be a lot of empty stadiums again. Even if it’s the World Cup,’ another warned.
‘Someone needs to turn the entire football world off and on again. Starting with FIFA,’ one said.
Fans from England are likely to face more significant impacts as they are expected to have a large following in the United States.
Dynamic pricing can sometimes be advantageous for fans. For instance, at the Club World Cup, Chelsea’s semi-final against Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium saw ticket prices drop significantly from $473.90 (£352.76) to $13.40 (£9.98).
Dynamic pricing was used at the Club World Cup and sometimes brought costs down due to a poor turnout
United States President Donald Trump got his hands on the trophy in a meeting with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino
For the World Cup, hospitality packages have already been sold since May. For the eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including the final on July 19, prices range from $3,500 (£2,606) to $73,200 (£54,490) per person.
The initial draw period for tickets will be limited to Visa card holders and will run from 11 a.m. EDT on Sept. 10 through 11 a.m. EDT on September 19.
Those picked to buy tickets will be notified starting September 29 and will be given a timeslot to purchase starting Oct. 1.
While tickets for all 104 matches are being put on sale, receiving a timeslot does not guarantee tickets will be available.
Sales will be capped at four tickets per person per match, with no person being able to purchase more than 40 for the totality of the tournament.
FIFA said it has no additional details on prices to announce.
A second phase, called an early ticket draw, likely will run from October 27-31, with purchase timeslots from mid-November to early December.
A third phase, termed a random selection draw, will start after the final draw of teams on December 5 determines the World Cup schedule. FIFA said tickets will be available closer to the tournament “on a first-come, first-served basis.”
FIFA also said it will start an official resale platform.
