Tickets to accompany Mexico in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup have become the most expensive on the resale market, with prices reaching more than R$14,000 for the opening match.
A survey by Ticketdata, which compiles data from platforms such as SeatGeek, Vivid Seats and StubHub, shows that the strong demand for “El Tri” has caused prices to soar in recent weeks. The Mexican team leads the ranking of average resale values among all teams.
The opening of the World Cup, on Thursday (11), between Mexico and South Africa, at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, has a minimum resale price of around US$2,813 (R$14,560). The other games in Group A in Mexico are also among the most valued.
Prices well above the tournament average
A Mexico match in the first phase costs, on average, US$2,182 (around R$11,300). The number is well above the general average for group stage games, which is US$723 (R$3,744).
For comparison, the average price for games in the United States, another host country, is US$991. Canada, the third host, appears among the cheapest, with an average of US$574. Seeing Mexico on the field is, on average, 6.6 times more expensive than watching New Zealand, which has the lowest average price.
Azteca and other Mexican headquarters concentrate the highest values
Mexico City and Guadalajara are among the three locations with the most expensive tickets in the initial phase. In Monterrey, prices are more moderate, with an average of around US$550. In Santa Clara, California, the five group stage matches are the most affordable, with an average of US$316.
The Azteca Stadium, which will host the third World Cup opening in its history (after 1970 and 1986), concentrates part of the Mexican euphoria. The proximity of the tournament, which starts this week, caused values to rise quickly: an increase of 29% in one week and 63% in one month for the debut game.
Economic context and what it represents
The average monthly salary in Mexico was US$1,390 in 2021, the lowest among OECD countries. The contrast between the purchasing power of the local fans and the prices charged on the secondary market highlights the luxury nature that the event took on for many.
The 2026 World Cup is already considered the most expensive in history, with a dynamic pricing system adopted by FIFA and strong influence from the resale market. While Mexico is experiencing great expectations for playing at home, the high cost of tickets raises discussions about accessibility for ordinary fans in the three host countries