2026 World Cup Ticket Prices Reach Rp 580 Million

One month before the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the situation is becoming increasingly uncertain. The high ticket prices are also a concern for football fans worldwide. The most expensive ticket for the 2026 World Cup final, which will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, reaches 32,970 US dollars (approximately 580 million IDR).

As a comparison, the most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final held in Qatar was 1,600 US dollars (Rp 28 million).

The European Football Fans Organization (FSE) has described the ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup as extortion and a betrayal of loyal fans. Many European football fans are unable to afford these tickets.

Meanwhile, FIFA hopes to generate an income of 13 billion US dollars from ticket sales for the World Cup matches. The tournament will kick off with the inaugural match at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, on June 11, 2026, between the host nation Mexico and the South African team.

The final match was held at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, which has a capacity of 82,500 spectators.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attributed the pessimism surrounding the 23rd World Cup to negative media coverage. "If we want to be honest, there is nothing negative about the preparations and organization of this World Cup," said Infantino.

Infantino stated that the ticket prices for watching the 2026 World Cup matches are still affordable because the majority of the matches (78 out of 104 games) will be held in the United States. These prices are in accordance with the standards in the United States.

"We have reviewed the market. The United States is the most advanced entertainment market in the world. We are marketing according to the market value in the United States," said Infantino.

FIFA claims there are 500 million ticket requests compared to 50 million ticket requests in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments.

Although it is claimed that ticket sales are thriving, many tickets for several matches, including the inaugural match between the United States and Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026, have still not been sold.

U.S. President Donald Trump supports Infantino's measures in organizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he was also surprised to learn that the ticket prices for the inaugural match between the U.S. and Paraguay reached 1,000 U.S. dollars.

"If you ask me about that price, I would not pay for a football match ticket up to 1,000 US dollars," said Trump.

For the first time, the FIFA World Cup is being held in three countries and involves teams from 48 nations, including the national team of Iran. Iran is currently struggling to respond to the military attacks and pressures from the US-Israel.

President Trump once condemned the presence of the Iranian team. Initially, Trump urged Iran to withdraw from the World Cup competition. "For the sake of their lives and security," said Trump.

However, FIFA Director Infantino rejected the idea of ​​Iran withdrawing or moving Iran to compete in Mexico.

"Iran will still participate in the 2026 World Cup," Infantino said at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, April 30, 2026.

"Iran will also compete in the United States," said Infantino.

Trump, who is attempting to reunite the divided American society due to various controversial actions both domestically and internationally, has finally agreed with Infantino's move to allow Iran to compete in the 2026 World Cup.

Trump is seeking support domestically ahead of the midterm elections in November 2026, which will determine whether he remains in power or is sidelined if Congress and the Senate are controlled by the Democratic bloc.

Initially, the 2026 World Cup was expected to be an event that unites the people of the United States. The World Cup is also anticipated to strengthen the close relationship with Canada and Mexico.

However, since Trump regained power in January 2025, disputes and tensions have arisen. Trump has repeatedly proposed that Canada become the 51st state of the United States. The Trump administration has also launched a trade war against Canada and Mexico.

On the other hand, in February 2026, the CJNG drug cartel in Mexico launched simultaneous armed attacks across the country. This raised concerns about security disruptions during the 2026 World Cup.

The human rights organization Human Rights Watch warns that the 2026 World Cup could also instill fear if Trump continues to pursue immigrants, protests occur, and press freedom is threatened. Amnesty International even cautions that the World Cup could be used as a platform for repression in the United States. (Reuters)