Just months before the 2026 World Cup, fan backlash has arisen over ticket prices. Which teams are most affected? Colombia and Portugal are at the center.
Four matches of the 2026 World Cup, one of them in the group stage of the competition being held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, have disrupted the primary and secondary ticket market with prices that defy logic.
The primary and secondary ticket markets for this World Cup have ranked matches as the most expensive, with significantly high prices driven by demand for high-profile or high-stakes matchups.
One such match is the group-stage game between Colombia and Portugal, which ranks fourth on the following list of the most costly matches, from highest to lowest.
As for where you can buy your tickets, FIFA suggests three "official" ways to do it.
Ranking the Most Expensive 2026 World Cup Matches
The World Cup Final, which will be played at New York/New Jersey Stadium, is the most expensive ticket in this year's tournament. It features four ticket categories: CAT1 costs $6,730; CAT2 costs $4,210; CAT3 costs $2,790; and CAT4 costs $2,030.
Here is how the other highly anticipated matches shake out this spring:
- Final: $2,200 ranging up to $6,730 (as of publishing)
- Semifinal 1: $2,200 and up
- Semifinal 2: $2,200 and up
- Colombia vs. Portugal: Approximately $2,200 (stabilized price)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
The match between Colombia and Portugal, to be played on June 27 at Hard Rock Stadium, has become the fourth most expensive event of the tournament, surpassed only by the decisive rounds.
According to data from The Athletic, the resale price for this matchup has exceeded $2,000 and has stabilized around $2,200. This value places it at the top of a ranking dominated by speculation and high demand.
The World Cup draw was the trigger for this dizzying price surge. Before the clash between Colombia and Portugal was confirmed, the cheapest ticket for that match was around $400, according to ticketdata.com, cited by The Athletic.
This increase represented a 514% rise from the pre-draw value, putting the ticket at $2,189, according to ticketdata.com. According to international media, tickets for the final sold out completely.
Other Pricey 2026 World Cup Matches
Other matches that also saw major increases after the draw include Brazil vs. Scotland and Argentina's three group-stage matches, according to The Athletic.
Several factors explain this phenomenon. The main attraction is the possible final World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo and the reunion with James Rodriguez, which has generated interest. Additionally, the presence of players like Luis Diaz elevates the match's appeal.
Another crucial factor is the dynamics of the secondary market in the United States and Canada, where resale is deregulated, unlike in Mexico. Platforms such as StubHub and SeatGeek allow sellers to set prices freely.
The Athletic explained that prices in this market are not determined by FIFA but by the sellers themselves. Soccer's governing body does not permit similar systems in Mexico and recommends fans opt for official sales.
