Sports News
The first tickets went on sale for those who were chosen in FIFA’s Visa presale draw.
After prolonged speculation, fans are starting to get a glimpse at what the cost of attending world soccer’s most celebrated event will be when it returns to North America in 2026. Closer to home, this impacts soccer enthusiasts hoping to see the slate of seven “Boston” games that will be played at Gillette Stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States next summer, recently opened up its first sale of tickets. Conducted via random draw (with entry allowed only to those with valid Visa cards), FIFA’s initial ticket window began with “variable pricing.”
Exactly what “variable” meant in specific terms was questioned prior to the launch of the sale. Now, thanks to multiple fans who have shared the prices they were given after being selected in the draw, the general public has its first look at the pricing system, and what it means for Boston-area residents (as well as those traveling from overseas) trying to get to Foxborough.
Prices will change over time based on demand. The next FIFA ticket draw is set for Oct. 27-31, with others still to be scheduled.
Separately, the “Final Draw” — in which the 48 qualifying national teams will be placed into 12 groups — will occur on Dec. 5. Following that, prices will inevitably fluctuate as fans learn which teams will occupy the group stage match-ups. Gillette Stadium will also host two knockout stage games: A round of 32 matchup on June 29, and a quarterfinal game on July 9.
Tickets are grouped into four “Categories,” with each representing a different tier of stadium access/location. Here’s a general overview of the categories:
Category 1: Includes the lower deck and part of the second deck at most venues.
Category 2: Mostly the upper deck along the sidelines.
Category 3: The upper deck on both ends of the stadium above each goal.
Category 4: The upper portion of one upper deck section, located in the corner of the stadium.
Here are the initial “Boston” prices for the Gillette Stadium World Cup games:
Match 5 | Group Stage | Saturday, 13 June
- Category 1: $410
- Category 2: $310
- Category 3: $140
- Category 4: $70
Match 18 | Group Stage | Tuesday, 16 June
- Category 1: $410
- Category 2: $310
- Category 3: $140
- Category 4: $70
Match 30 | Group Stage | Friday, 19 June
- Category 1: $410
- Category 2: $310
- Category 3: $140
- Category 4: $60
Match 45 | Group Stage | Tuesday, 23 June
- Category 1: $410
- Category 2: $310
- Category 3: $140
- Category 4: $60
Match 61 | Group Stage | Friday, 26 June
- Category 1: $410
- Category 2: $310
- Category 3: $140
- Category 4: $70
Match 74 | Round of 32 | Monday, 29 June
- Category 1: $440
- Category 2: $310
- Category 3: $160
- Category 4: $125
Match 97 | Quarter-final | Thursday, 9 July
- Category 1: $1125
- Category 2: $765
- Category 3: $485
- Category 4: $275
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