2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Availability and Economic Impact

Hundreds of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final are available on the organizer’s main portal, even as the tournament nears its end. The final, featuring Spain vs. Argentina, is set for Sunday at MetLife Stadium, which has been renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the event. FIFA lists the stadium’s capacity as 80,663.

TicketData.com indicates 271 seats are unsold as of Sunday morning on FIFA’s portal. Newsweek’s analysis counted 252 available tickets, priced from $10,990 to $24,995. On resale sites StubHub and SeatGeek, there are numerous listings, including 200 for a single seat and 140 for groups of four, with prices starting at $7,734.

The secondary market’s lowest price, known as the “get-in price,” is $7,633, as per TicketData.com. This has decreased by 21% over the past two weeks, indicating fluctuating demand. Resale availability does not mean these seats will remain empty, as sellers may attend if prices do not meet their expectations. Newsweek contacted FIFA for comment.

Supply and demand have been crucial during this World Cup, as ticket availability and prices varied significantly. said Stephen Shapiro, professor at the University of South Carolina. Shapiro noted FIFA’s pricing has been inconsistent.

Higher interest in the tournament is attributed to steep ticket prices, according to FIFA. This has elicited criticism, legal action, and scrutiny by officials. New York’s and New Jersey’s attorneys general have subpoenaed FIFA concerning the ticketing system. New Jersey’s Jennifer Davenport criticized FIFA for creating a “gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and high prices.”

In Germany, a court ordered FIFA to cease “manipulative” ticket sales practices. European resale site Ticombo accused FIFA of not revealing seller information and using misleading platform designs.

Concerns about ticket availability persist. In May, about 40,000 tickets disappeared from FIFA’s platform, then reappeared on resale sites, raising suspicions of demand manipulation.

2026 World Cup Success

Despite criticism, the World Cup has succeeded for the U.S. and FIFA in many ways. The expanded format, with 48 teams, presents opportunities for future investments, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This year, FIFA expects a record $15 billion in revenue.

Host cities saw increased consumer spending, as reported by the Bank of America Institute. Demand for short-term rentals grew in the 11 U.S. host cities. Some businesses have thrived during the tournament.

“Overall, the World Cup has been a major success for our business, Atlanta, and the country,” an Atlanta business told Newsweek. Visitors’ enthusiasm and the city’s positive response suggest a lasting impact on tourism.

However, locals reported dissatisfaction with perceived price hikes during the event, and some businesses faced operational strains. “For us, it’s another storm to weather,” a Kansas City music venue owner expressed.