Topline
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, the most expensive sporting event in U.S. history, just got pricier, with tickets surging over $2,000 before the matchup takes place.
Key Facts
The get-in price for the final on the secondary market is $9,500 as of Saturday morning, according to TickPick, a significant rise from the get-in price of $6,943 on Wednesday, when the World Cup final matchup was set after Argentina defeated England.
The jump in price cements the final’s distinction as the most expensive sporting event in the history of the U.S., comfortably topping events like the Super Bowl and NBA Finals.
The average price for a World Cup final ticket is $15,331, according to SeatPick data, which is a nearly $4,000 increase from Wednesday.
Big Number
$21,995. That is the cheapest ticket available for the final on FIFA’s official website.
Tangent
The get-in price for the 3rd place matchup between England and France on Saturday is $598. Although the matchup is not for the World Cup trophy, stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are still set to play.
Key Background
The 2026 World Cup has become the most expensive in the tournament’s history. Nearly two months before the competition, the average cheapest ticket for group-stage games in Los Angeles was $1,040 on FIFA’s resale market, according to ESPN. However, the secondary market became crucial for catching ticket price dropoffs during the tournament. The quarterfinal matchup between Belgium and Spain saw a 60% slide in ticket prices after the two teams eliminated the U.S. and Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal from the competition. FIFA has received backlash for high prices, in addition to pricey items including grass patches from the World Cup final that are being sold for at least $450.
Further Reading
Ticket Prices Collapse Nearly 60% For World Cup Quarterfinal Match After USA, Portugal Eliminated (Forbes)
New Jersey Seeks Cut From FIFA’s $450 World Cup Grass Patches, Report Says (Forbes)
