The resale market for tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has experienced a major decline in recent weeks, raising concerns about fan demand and the affordability of the tournament ahead of next month’s kickoff.
New data released by Ticketdata.com shows that resale prices for several high-profile group-stage matches have dropped significantly over the past month. The fixture between the United States and Turkey recorded a 46 percent decline in resale value, while the clash involving Iraq and Norway saw prices fall by 54 percent.
The match between Australia and Turkey witnessed the steepest drop, with resale prices plunging by nearly 60 percent.
The sharp decline suggests that demand on the secondary ticket market is struggling to meet the high prices initially set by sellers, forcing many to lower prices as the tournament draws closer.
The development comes amid growing criticism of FIFA’s official ticket pricing structure, which many football supporters have described as too expensive for average fans.
Reports indicate that tickets in FIFA’s primary sales categories started at more than $1,100 for lower-tier seats, while premium hospitality and lower-bowl packages climbed to almost $3,000.
Analysts believe the falling resale prices reflect weaker-than-expected demand for premium seating options, especially as supporters continue to battle rising travel and accommodation expenses across the three host countries.
According to Ticketdata.com, the average resale price for group-stage tickets across the tournament has dropped by approximately 24 percent over the last month, highlighting a broader cooling trend in the market.
Concerns are also beginning to surface within the tourism and hospitality sectors ahead of the tournament’s June 11 kickoff. A report published by Newsweek revealed that hotel bookings for the summer period are currently below expectations despite heavy investments made in preparation for a massive influx of international visitors.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to become the biggest tournament in FIFA history with an expanded 48-team format across 16 host cities.
Despite expectations of record-breaking attendance and huge commercial success, the latest ticketing figures suggest organisers and ticket sellers may come under increasing pressure to make prices more affordable for supporters worldwide.
