Miami, Sep 4 (AP) Ticket prices for next year's World Cup will initially range from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final. However, these prices may fluctuate as the event will implement dynamic pricing for the first time.
The ticket prices have risen significantly from the 1994 U.S. tournament, which ranged from $25 to $475, and the $69 to $1,607 range for the 2022 Qatar event.
"I think the message is: get your tickets early, especially if you know where you'll be, whether you live in that city or you're a fan of the three host nations," said Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup's chief operating officer. "So that's the message: Get your tickets early, because anything could happen."
Next year's tournament will run from June 11 to July 19 and will be hosted at 11 sites in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The event has expanded from 32 to 48 nations and from 64 to 104 games.
The initial ticket draw phase will be limited to Visa cardholders, running from 11 a.m. EDT on Sept. 10 through 11 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19. Those chosen to purchase will be informed starting Sept. 29 and will receive a purchasing timeslot starting Oct. 1. Despite tickets for all 104 matches being available, a timeslot does not guarantee ticket availability.
Purchases will be limited to four tickets per person per match, with a maximum of 40 tickets per person for the entire tournament. FIFA has not released further pricing details.
A second phase, referred to as the early ticket draw, will likely run from Oct. 27-31, with purchase timeslots from mid-November to early December.
The third phase, termed a random selection draw, will commence after the final team draw on Dec. 5 confirms the World Cup schedule. Tickets will then be available closer to the tournament on a first-come, first-served basis. FIFA will also launch an official resale platform.
Hospitality packages have been available since May. At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host eight matches including the final on July 19, package prices range from $3,500 to $73,200 per person.
Fans have the option to purchase tickets to follow a specific team or buy them for a specific location. Dynamic pricing was also employed at this year's Club World Cup, where prices for the Chelsea-Fluminense semifinal at MetLife Stadium were slashed from $473.90 to $13.40.
"It's crucial to note FIFA's mission of funding, providing opportunities, and fostering growth for our sport across all 211 member associations," Schirgi stated. "Optimizing revenue and stadium attendance is a balance of various factors."
American Airlines announced on Wednesday that AAdvantage loyalty program members can redeem miles for World Cup tickets. Executive platinum and concierge key members can start on Oct. 13, while platinum pro, platinum, and gold members can start the following day, and all members will have access from Oct. 15.
Thirteen teams have already qualified. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are assured spots as host nations, while reigning champion Argentina with Lionel Messi, and powerhouse Brazil, are among those already qualified.
The host nations will play all three group stage matches at home. The U.S. will open on June 12 in Inglewood, California, then play on June 19 in Seattle and again on June 25 back in Inglewood. Canada will play on June 12 in Toronto, then June 18 and June 24 in Vancouver. Mexico will play on June 11 and June 24 in Mexico City, with a June 18 match in Guadalajara.
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