Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have triggered widespread backlash after seats for key matches were listed at more than 40 times their original value on FIFA’s official resale platform.

The controversy intensified after a Category Three ticket for the World Cup final scheduled for July 19 at East Rutherford, New Jersey, was advertised for a staggering $143,750.

The same ticket originally cost $3,450 — representing an increase of over 41 times its face value.

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Similarly, a Category Three seat for the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11 was listed for $5,324, compared to its initial price of $895.

The surge in resale prices comes just weeks after the main ticket sales phase concluded in January, with many successful applicants only recently receiving confirmation of their allocations.

Although FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously cautioned that tickets resold on secondary markets could attract exorbitant prices, critics say the governing body’s own resale platform is now reflecting the very concerns it warned about.

Supporters’ groups have expressed frustration over what they describe as the commercialization of access to the world’s biggest football tournament.

Guillaume Aupretre, spokesperson for the France national team supporters group “Irresistibles Francais,” said the inflated prices were disappointing but not surprising.

“These exorbitant prices unfortunately don’t surprise me. It reflects what we know and what we fight against: many people buy to resell,” he said, adding that genuine fans are the ones most affected.

Despite the backlash, demand remains extraordinarily high.

FIFA disclosed that it received approximately 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 tournament, underscoring the global excitement surrounding the expanded 48-team competition to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA has clarified that it operates the resale platform as a facilitator, charging a 15 percent fee, while sellers are responsible for setting ticket prices.

The organization stated that its pricing approach reflects market practices for major sporting and entertainment events in the host countries.

Resale regulations differ across the three host nations.

While the secondary market is largely unregulated in the United States and Canada, Mexico prohibits the resale of tickets above face value when purchased locally in Mexican currency.

Fan advocacy groups, including Football Supporters Europe, have accused FIFA of a “monumental betrayal” over ticket affordability. Although FIFA introduced a limited number of $60 tickets for official supporters’ groups, critics argue the measure is insufficient to ensure broad access for ordinary fans.

Applicants have been notified since February 5 about their success in the second ticket sales phase. A final “last-minute” sales window will open in April and continue until the end of the tournament on a first-come, first-served basis.