World Cup Fans Face Soaring Ticket Prices on Resale Market

 

Thousands of fans from England and Scotland hoping to attend this summer’s FIFA World Cup are facing heavily inflated ticket prices on the official resale platform.

According to data reviewed by BBC Sport, more than 6,000 tickets for group-stage matches involving the two teams are currently listed for resale—often at several times their original value.

---

Prices Far Above Face Value

Supporters looking for tickets are finding limited options outside resale, as FIFA has not confirmed whether general ticket sales for these matches are sold out.

For England matches alone:

• The cheapest ticket for the opening game against Croatia costs around $898 (£628), more than triple its original price
• Some lower-tier tickets originally priced at just $60 (£45) are now listed for up to $2,300 (£1,748)
• Premium seats have skyrocketed to as much as $17,250 (£13,110)

In extreme cases, top-category tickets are being offered for nearly $30,000 (£22,700).

---

Additional Fees Add to Costs

FIFA’s resale system also includes significant fees:

• 15% charged to sellers
• 15% charged to buyers

This means fans are not only paying inflated base prices but also additional platform costs.

---

Limited Alternatives for Fans

With official ticket availability unclear, supporters are left with two main choices:

• Pay the high resale prices
• Wait in hope that FIFA releases more tickets closer to match dates

Matches involving England—particularly in cities like Dallas, Boston, and New York—are expected to be in especially high demand due to large expatriate communities.

---

Fans Hoping for Price Drops

Supporter groups believe prices could fall as the tournament approaches.

Some are drawing comparisons with previous events, where unsold tickets were released later at more reasonable rates, especially for later-stage matches.

---

Growing Frustration

The surge in resale prices has sparked frustration among fans, with many calling the situation unfair and inaccessible.

With demand far outstripping supply, attending the World Cup is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary supporters—raising fresh concerns about affordability at major global sporting events.