The FIFA World Cup has not yet started and the news keeps coming, mostly related to economic issues. Along with the war and strike threats in several US areas, the hottest topic is that of tickets. In this regard, FIFA has reportedly made an update, according to Associated Press: adding new categories of tickets (more exclusive and, above all, more expensive) raising the cost of watching soccer live to figures that break any previous forecast.
The bombshell comes with the United States’ opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood. If just a few days ago the top price for a first category ticket could reach $2,735, now FIFA has gone a step further: “front row” tickets are born, real premium front row seats that reach $4,105. Watching the game up close has never been so expensive.
But that’s not the end of the story. Without much fanfare, the organization has also reportedly introduced a second front-row category, with prices ranging from $1,940 to $2,330 for the same game. The Athletic first reported on the move, which confirms a clear strategy: to further segment the market and squeeze demand to the maximum.
The most expensive in history?
The tournament, which will be played from June 11 to July 19 in 16 cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada, is set to be the most expensive in history… also in the stands.
The agency also gives more examples: Canada’s debut in Toronto already has “front row 1” seats that reach $3,360. And in the round of 16 in Philadelphia, new seats appear for $905.
But the real blow is in the final. AP estimates that the decisive match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium has seen a brutal increase: the maximum price has risen from $8,680 to $10,990. Even the “more affordable” categories are soaring: the second rises to $7,380 and the third to $5,785. Even so, last Thursday there were no tickets available for the final, according to AP.
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