Football fans beware: tips to buy World Cup tickets safely amid sky-high prices

No one likes to lose their hard-earned money at any time—and even less so on luxury items families save to buy or because of fraudulent activity. However, the risks of being scammed are very high as fans scramble to get their hands on 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets to cheer on their favorite teams. 

With prices already sky high months before the tournament, at a time when the country is facing a persistent “affordability crisis,” any loss will hurt even more. So if you’re shopping for Haiti tickets to the Boston, Philadelphia or Atlanta matches next June, here are some general tips to help you stay safe.

Understand the many ticket types out there 

Whether you buy from FIFA directly or an unofficial reseller, there are three different types of tickets floating around. Be clear what you’re buying: 

1. A single ticket is a one-time purchase for a single game at a set time and location.
2. A venue ticket gives you the right to a seat at a specific venue. No matter who’s playing, that’s your seat.
3. A team ticket allows you to follow your favorite team wherever they play. 

Prices are high, wide—and can change 

As expected, prices are astronomical. As of Dec. 11, FIFA’s list price for the Haiti-Scotland game was $2,350 per person, $3,140 per person for the Haiti-Brazil match and $1,450 per person. 

On unofficial resale sites, tickets posted there — presumably by people who were allowed to buy from FIFA during the first release phases — tickets were significantly lower. But they are not guaranteed.

The three Haiti games were at the lowest for the Atlanta match, at $370 for one ticket. The upper range is well past the tens of thousands, varying by game and location:

• For Haiti-Scotland in Boston, the lowest priced ticket on Stubhub was $767 and one ticket on Ticket Center at $1,559.
• For Haiti-Brazil in Philadelphia, a pair of tickets on Stubhub was listed for a minimum of $948, Ticket Center at $1,649.
• For Haiti-Morocco in Atlanta, a ticket on Stubhub was listed for a minimum of $370, Ticket Center at $629. 

Again, buying from resale platforms other than FIFA’s own Marketplace may not guarantee entry at the stadium gate.

Take the time to read through ticket offerings 

It may be a slog, but take the time to read descriptions of what FIFA or an unofficial reseller is offering before you add to cart.

Some platforms list the single ticket prices to entice clicks. Others promote their paired tickets. Whichever you need, be sure to read the printed information. If it’s not clear whether the ticket is for one seat or more, consider that a red flag.

If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be on the lookout for scammers online and offline, in English and Creole

Fraudulent activity has hit record highs in the number of people scammed and amount of money reported stolen in recent years. Fraudsters have gotten really savvy at reaching people by email, text and social media and at targeting people to earn their trust. 

That’s why scammers now reach out not only in English, but also in Haitian Creole via messages, voice notes, WhatsApp groups and other channels. They can also set up fake websites and products, including counterfeit versions of a legitimate company’s communications to persuade people to part with their money.

Efforts to use all these means to fleece people as the tournament nears are expected. Many times, they use fear to trigger panic so the target can’t think straight.

So beware, and learn to spot fraudulent activity that may be underway. Again, if it seems too good to be true, or if a fear scenario sounds too outlandish, it probably is.

Ready to buy? Know this…

FIFA is using dynamic pricing, meaning prices may increase for high-demand matches, according to Goal, the soccer magazine. Think surge-pricing with Ubers and Lyfts based on demand.

Have your credit or debit card ready to pay when your turn comes to purchase. Tickets are selling fast, especially for popular teams like Brazil; they may be gone if you delay payment.

As with all tickets, they will be delivered via the FIFA World Cup 2026™ App.

Good luck!

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