By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Soccer fans around the world are facing extreme sticker shock. Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have surged to record levels on resale platforms ahead of the June 11 kickoff. This dramatic escalation on secondary markets has sparked concerns over accessibility. With the competition just months away, critics fear the rising costs will undermine market equity across North America.
The demand is particularly sharp for the opening match in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa. The highest ticket for this match is currently priced at $5,324 (GH₵76,133), a steep climb from its original face value of $895 (GH₵12,798).
Sky-High Premiums for the New Jersey Final
The financial barrier to entry for the championship match has reached staggering proportions. A three-seat category for the final on July 19 at East Rutherford, New Jersey, costs $143,750 (GH₵2,055,625), representing a price tag 41 times more than its original value of $3,450 (GH₵49,335).
Even those looking for the most basic entry into the stadium will face heavy costs. The cheapest available ticket for the final on the resale site was listed at $9,775 (GH₵139,782).
Financial Hurdles for Ghana and African Supporters
For Ghanaian fans and the wider African contingent, these figures represent a nearly insurmountable barrier. With the Cedi-to-Dollar exchange rate remaining a critical factor, even a “cheap” $140 general release ticket requires an investment of roughly GH₵2,000, excluding flights and visas.
The surge on resale platforms essentially shuts the door on average supporters wishing to follow the Black Stars. Analysts warn that the 2026 edition risk becoming the most
“exclusive” World Cup in history, potentially leaving the vibrant stands usually filled by African drums and cheering sections noticeably thinner.
Global Demand Overwhelms Official Supply
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the supply-and-demand crisis at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He noted that the sheer volume of interest forced the governing body to implement a draw system to allocate tickets.
“In 100, almost 100, years of World Cup history, FIFA sold around 50 million tickets in total,” Infantino said. “Now for this World Cup in four weeks (on sale), we have the request for 1,000 years of World Cups at once. This is unique. It’s incredible.”
Legal Gaps in Host Nation Resale Markets
The disparity in pricing is fueled by a lack of consistent regulation across host nations. The resale market is unregulated in the United States and Canada. In Mexico, reselling a ticket above face value is prohibited, but only when the ticket is purchased in Mexico using the local currency. This creates a loophole for international buyers and sellers operating in US Dollars.
FIFA Marketplace and Profit Margins
The surge in prices is expected to lead to a lot of disappointed fans being driven to resale sites where tickets are being listed for multiples of their face value. Even on official channels, the numbers are jarring. On FIFA’s own resale marketplace, a ticket for the final was being listed for as much as $230,000 (GH₵2,530,000) this week. While FIFA does not resell tickets or set prices on the platform, it can cash in for a second time by taking a 30% cut from any sale.
Public Backlash and FIFA Defense
The pricing strategy has faced fierce criticism from supporters globally. There was outcry last month when FIFA announced its latest general release of tickets priced from $140 (GH₵1,540) to $8,680 (GH₵95,480).
Addressing the criticism, FIFA defends its pricing model, saying it “reflects the existing market practice for major entertainment and sporting events within our hosts on a daily basis, soccer included.” With the draw approaching, Infantino warned that prices will likely continue their upward trajectory on resale platforms.
