Fans cite four-figure prices for U.S. World Cup opener
Al Jazeera reported fans paid about $1,200 to $1,350 for seats at the U.S. match against Paraguay amid anger over pricing.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Some World Cup fans said they paid four-figure sums to watch the United States open its tournament against Paraguay, according to Al Jazeera. The accounts add to scrutiny of ticket costs at a tournament already facing criticism over record-high prices and dynamic pricing.
In a video segment published June 13, 2026, Al Jazeera asked supporters how much they paid for seats at the match. The figures shown included $1,250, $1,200 and $1,350.
One fan criticized the governing body directly. “FIFA should be ashamed of themselves,” the fan said, according to Al Jazeera.
Ticket prices draw attention
Al Jazeera reported the comments as part of wider controversy over World Cup ticket costs. The broadcaster described the prices as record-high and linked the backlash to the use of dynamic pricing.
The reported amounts point to a costly entry point for fans seeking to attend one of the tournament’s showcase fixtures. Al Jazeera identified the game as the United States’ opening match against Paraguay.
The video did not provide a full breakdown of ticket categories, face values or resale details in the excerpt published by Al Jazeera. It also did not state whether the fans bought their seats directly through official channels or through another market.
FIFA’s pricing approach has become a focal point for supporters as the tournament begins, according to Al Jazeera’s report. The fans quoted by the broadcaster framed the issue in plain terms: the price of a seat had reached well above $1,000 for those interviewed.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.