The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the biggest tournament in football history, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
As the knockout stages represent the pinnacle of World Cup drama, ticket prices for these elimination rounds have become a major talking point among fans worldwide.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket sales journey begins with an exclusive Visa Presale Draw from September 10-19, 2025, giving Visa cardholders worldwide the first opportunity to purchase tickets.
During the second ticket sale, FIFA released over 1 million additional tickets due to high demand, and Ivanka Trump contributed to the Education Fund with proceeds from ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here’s everything you need to know about securing knockout stage tickets and what you can expect to pay.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Tickets Price Breakdown
Table of Contents
FIFA has implemented a four-tier pricing structure (Category 1-4) across all knockout rounds, with prices varying significantly based on venue, match importance, and seating location.
Round of 32 (June 30 – July 3, 2026)
The Round of 32 marks the beginning of knockout football, where every match becomes a must-win for the 32 qualified teams.
Price Range by Category:
Venue-Specific Pricing:
Premium venues like SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), and Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco) command the highest prices in this round. Matches in these stadiums can reach $805 for Category 1 seats, while more affordable options exist at venues in Kansas City and other secondary markets.
Round of 16 (July 5-7, 2026)
As the tournament narrows to 16 teams, demand intensifies and prices rise accordingly.
Price Range by Category:
Notable Price Points:
- MetLife Stadium Round of 16 tickets experienced dynamic pricing increases from $895 to $980 in Category 1 during the first sales window, before the entire first-phase allotment sold out
- SoFi Stadium Round of 16 matches command premium pricing, with Category 1 seats reaching $1,125
- More affordable venues like Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City) offer Category 1 tickets starting around $485
Quarterfinals (July 9-11, 2026)
The quarterfinals represent a significant pricing jump as only eight teams remain in contention.
Price Range by Category:
- Category 1: $485 – $1,690
- Category 2: $365 – $1,270
- Category 3: $165 – $575
- Category 4: $110 – $275
Venue Breakdown:
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles): The most expensive quarterfinal venue, with Category 1 tickets reaching $1,690 and Category 3 at $725
- Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts): Category 1 tickets priced at $1,125
- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City): More affordable option with Category 1 at $485 and Category 4 at $275
Dynamic Pricing Impact:
Kansas City quarterfinal tickets saw early price increases to $1,180 in Category 1 due to high demand, demonstrating FIFA’s variable pricing model in action.
Semifinals (July 14-15, 2026)
The semifinals feature only four teams battling for a place in the final, with ticket prices reflecting the historic nature of these matches.
Price Range by Category:
- Category 1: $1,205 – $2,780
- Category 2: $905 – $2,085
- Category 3: $410 – $950
- Category 4: $280 – $515
Venue Comparison:
- AT&T Stadium (Arlington/Dallas): The most expensive semifinal venue with Category 1 at $2,780, Category 2 at $1,920, and Category 3 at $720
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta): More affordable semifinal option with Category 3 starting at $450 and Category 1 around $1,205
By the time semifinal tickets went on sale during the first lottery phase, many Category 3 and 4 seats were already unavailable at certain venues.
Third-Place Playoff
While less prestigious than the final, the third-place match still commands significant prices.
Price Range:
The Final (July 19, 2026 – MetLife Stadium)
The 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, features the most expensive tickets in World Cup history.
Official Price Range by Category:
Historical Context:
These prices represent a dramatic increase from the 2022 Qatar World Cup final, where the best Category 1 tickets cost $1,607. The 2026 final’s cheapest ticket ($2,030) exceeds Qatar’s most expensive final ticket by $423.
Average Final Ticket Price:
According to FIFA Collect Analytics, the average ticket price for the 2026 final is approximately $3,945.
Resale Market:
Early projections suggest resale prices for the final could reach $25,000 for premium seats, though FIFA will operate an official resale platform with a 15% fee charged to both buyers and sellers.
Price Comparison: 2022 vs 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
The leap in pricing from Qatar 2022 to North America 2026 is substantial across all knockout rounds.
Key Comparisons:
- 2022 Final (Category 1): $1,607
- 2026 Final (Category 1): $6,730
- Price Increase: +319%
- 2022 Cheapest Final Ticket: Approximately $600
- 2026 Cheapest Final Ticket: $2,030
- Price Increase: +238%
The overall tournament attendance cost has more than doubled, with fans potentially spending $3,180 minimum if securing Category 4 tickets for every match—more than double the Qatar World Cup expense before considering travel and accommodation.
Dynamic Pricing: How It Works
FIFA introduced dynamic pricing (also called variable pricing) for the 2026 World Cup, a strategy common in North American sports but new to FIFA tournaments.
How Dynamic Pricing Affects Knockout Tickets:
Real-Time Adjustments: Prices fluctuate based on demand and remaining inventory
Early Increases Observed: Within just 24-48 hours of the first lottery sales phase, several knockout matches saw price jumps:
- Round of 16 at MetLife: $895 → $935 → $980 (Category 1)
- Quarterfinals in Kansas City: Increased to $1,180
- Multiple rounds of 16 matches: ~5% increases in Category 1
Post-Draw Volatility: After the December 5, 2025, World Cup draw, prices are expected to surge for matches involving popular teams like Argentina, Brazil, England, France, or the USMNT.
Supply-Demand Model: Matches with lower anticipated demand may see prices decrease in later sales phases, though this is less likely for knockout rounds where every match is elimination football.
Category Breakdown: What You Get
Understanding FIFA’s four-tier system helps determine the best value for your budget.
Category 1 (Most Expensive)
- Location: Entire lower bowl and most of the second deck/club level
- Features: Best sightlines, closest to the pitch, premium amenities
- Knockout Pricing: $485 – $6,730 depending on round and venue
Category 2
- Location: Upper deck sidelines, some second-tier sections
- Features: Good elevation for full-field views
- Knockout Pricing: $335 – $4,210
Category 3
- Location: Upper deck behind goals
- Features: Higher elevation, end-zone perspectives
- Knockout Pricing: $150 – $2,790
Category 4 (Cheapest)
- Location: Upper corner sections, limited areas
- Features: Most affordable, often most distant from pitch
- Knockout Pricing: $100 – $2,030
- Availability: These sell out fastest and represent minimal inventory
Important Note: At venues like SoFi Stadium, a Category 1 ticket for a group match at $620 could place fans anywhere on the 100 or 200 level, meaning significant variation exists even within categories.
Factors Driving Knockout Ticket Prices
Several elements contribute to the record-breaking costs for knockout stage matches.
1. Tournament Importance
Early knockout rounds (Round of 32/16) are more affordable than later stages where stakes are highest. Each subsequent round sees significant price jumps reflecting decreased supply and increased demand.
2. Venue Location
Premium Venues (Higher Prices):
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
- MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey)
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas)
- Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco)
Secondary Markets (Lower Prices):
- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
Average group stage ticket prices by city ranged from $197 (Monterrey) to $615 (Los Angeles), a pattern that extends to knockout rounds.
3. Team Matchups
Matches featuring global powerhouses (Brazil, Argentina, France, England, USA) command premium prices. Knockout tickets involving star players like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, or Christian Pulisic see demand spikes.
4. North American Market
The U.S. sports market is accustomed to high ticket prices for major events. The 1994 World Cup final’s most expensive ticket was $425; adjusted for inflation, that’s approximately $900 today—still far below the $6,730 charged for 2026.
5. FIFA Revenue Strategy
The 1994 U.S. World Cup generated an estimated $1.45 billion profit and established FIFA’s modern commercial model. The 2026 pricing reflects FIFA’s push to maximize revenues from the world’s largest sporting event.
How to Purchase Knockout Tickets for the World Cup 2026
Sales Phases Timeline
Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw (September 10-19, 2025)
Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw (October 27-31, 2025)
- Open to all fans, not just Visa cardholders
- Random selection after the application period
- Purchase time slots assigned November-December 2025
Phase 3: Random Selection Draw (After December 5, 2025)
- Follows the official World Cup draw
- Specific matchups known, driving demand spikes
- Dynamic pricing is fully active
Phase 4: First-Come, First-Served (Spring 2026)
- Final ticket release before the tournament
- No lottery; live inventory on FIFA ticketing portal
- Likely to see the highest dynamic prices for high-demand matches
Official Channels
FIFA Ticketing Portal: FIFA.com/tickets
- Requires FIFA account registration
- Must be 18 years or older
- Official platform for all lottery and FCFS sales
National Football Associations: Supporters’ clubs and national federations may offer allocation for fans of qualified teams
FIFA Official Resale Platform: Coming soon
Third-Party and Resale Markets
Current Resale Prices (as of October 2025):
- Quarterfinals: Starting from $598, averaging $4,029
- Semifinals: Estimated $420 – $2,800 (face value); resale likely higher
- Final: Resale projections up to $25,000 for premium seats
Secondary Market Platforms:
- SeatGeek, SeatPick, and other authorized resellers
- 100% money-back guarantees on verified platforms
- Prices fluctuate based on matchups revealed after December 5 draw
Warning: Unofficial marketplaces carry fraud risks, invalid barcodes, and potential cancellations; stick to official FIFA channels or verified resale partners.
Money-Saving Strategies
1. Target Secondary Markets
Knockout matches in Kansas City, Atlanta, or Philadelphia offer significantly lower prices than Los Angeles, New York, or Dallas.
2. Consider Category Trade-Offs
Category 3 knockout tickets provide substantial savings while still offering complete views of the pitch. The difference between Category 1 and Category 3 for a semifinal can exceed $1,800.
3. Early Application
Enter every lottery phase early; timing within the application window doesn’t affect selection odds, but early notification increases purchasing options before inventory depletes.
4. Flexibility on Matchups
Knockout tickets for matches not involving host nations or traditional powers may see lower demand and pricing. Post-draw, matches featuring underdog teams could offer value.
5. Monitor Dynamic Pricing
If attending from the U.S. and able to book last-minute travel, waiting for first-come, first-served sales on less popular matchups might yield deals. This strategy is impractical for international fans.
6. Official Resale Platform
When FIFA launches its resale channel, monitor for fans offloading tickets they can no longer use. The 15% fee applies, but face-value listings may appear.
Hospitality Packages for the knockout of World Cup 2026: Premium Alternative
For those seeking guaranteed access with enhanced experiences, FIFA offers hospitality packages.
Current Pricing (as of October 2025):
- Single Match Packages: Starting at $1,350
- Venue Series Packages: Starting at $8,000
- “Follow My Team” Packages: Starting at $6,750
What’s Included:
- Guaranteed premium seats
- Exclusive lounge access
- Food and beverage
- VIP amenities
Knockout Stage Premiums:
Hospitality packages for the final and semifinals are expected to exceed $10,000 per person, but provide certainty in a highly competitive ticket market.
Key Takeaways for Fans
Record Prices: The 2026 World Cup features the most expensive knockout tickets in tournament history, with the final’s cheapest seat ($2,030) exceeding the entire cost of attending multiple group-stage matches.
Dynamic Pricing Reality: Expect prices to fluctuate throughout the sales process, with increases likely after the December 5 draw reveals specific matchups.
Category 4 Scarcity: The widely advertised $60 starting price applies primarily to group-stage matches, and knockout rounds’ cheapest tickets ($100-$280) represent minimal inventory that sells out immediately.
International Fan Challenges: Overseas supporters face disadvantages under the dynamic pricing model, requiring advance commitments while prices remain uncertain.
Plan and Budget Accordingly: For fans targeting knockout rounds, realistic budgets should account for Category 2-3 tickets given Category 4 scarcity, plus the likelihood of price increases between application and purchase.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds are set to deliver thrilling football in top-notch venues across North America. Grabbing affordable tickets, however, will take some planning, adaptability, and quick action.
With official ticket sales extending through spring 2026, fans have plenty of opportunities to catch the thrilling matches—though ticket prices reflect the tournament’s grand scale and FIFA’s ambitious revenue goals.
