World Cup final resale prices climb past $6,400 for cheapest seats
Last-minute seats for Argentina-Spain in New Jersey are commanding five-figure prices on major ticket sites, the Associated Press reported.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
2 min read
Fans trying to get into Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain face steep last-minute prices, with the cheapest seats on FIFA’s official resale platform listed above $6,400 on Saturday morning, the Associated Press reported. The prices show how demand has surged for a final featuring Lionel Messi and Argentina against Lamine Yamal and Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
According to AP, FIFA’s official resale site showed its lowest-priced tickets at $6,411.25 for seats behind the goal in a middle tier. Those listings were no longer available by lunchtime Saturday, AP reported.
Other seats on the same platform were priced far higher. AP reported that upper-deck corner seats were listed at nearly $10,000, while tickets closer to the field were around $16,000.
The priciest listed option was for special hospitality seating, which AP reported was offered at nearly $60,000 per ticket. That tier puts the final among the most expensive live sporting events for late buyers seeking official or secondary-market access.
Secondary-market prices also near five figures
Major resale platforms showed similar pricing pressure, according to AP. SeatGeek and StubHub listed upper-deck tickets starting around $10,000, while some lower-bowl seats were approaching $35,000.
The listings cited by AP reflect asking prices, and availability can change quickly as buyers purchase seats or sellers adjust their prices. FIFA’s resale site had already seen its lowest tickets vanish within hours Saturday, according to AP.
The match carries unusual star power. AP described Messi as considered by many to be the greatest player in soccer history, while Yamal is one of the sport’s top young players.
Argentina is seeking its fourth World Cup title and its second in a row, AP reported. No nation has won back-to-back men’s World Cups since Brazil captured the tournament in 1958 and 1962.
Spain is trying to add a second World Cup title after winning the tournament in 2010, according to AP. Sunday’s final will be played in East Rutherford, New Jersey, bringing the tournament’s biggest match to the New York metropolitan area.
AP reported Saturday that Messi trained with Argentina in Morristown, New Jersey, on the eve of the final. The combination of Argentina’s title defense, Spain’s return to the final stage and the Messi-Yamal matchup has helped push resale prices into rare territory for fans still looking for a seat.
This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.