Football match becomes expensive 10 times in 32 years, ticket to watch the final will be available for 9 lakhs

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is going to be held from June 11 to July 19 in America, Mexico and Canada. This time 48 teams are participating in the tournament. A total of 104 matches will be played between these teams in 16 cities. This time twice as many teams are participating in the World Cup held in America 32 years ago i.e. in 1994. This tournament will be the biggest World Cup ever in terms of size, ticket prices and facilities.

impact on viewers’ pockets

Football fans have a huge craze for the World Cup. Whether their team qualifies for the World Cup or not, fans definitely want to go to the stadium and enjoy exciting matches. However, with the tickets becoming expensive after every edition, they have to dig deep into their pockets. If we compare this tournament with the previous World Cup held in America, the tickets have become many times more expensive.

In 1994, tickets for first round matches ranged from $25 to $75, while tickets for the finals ranged from $180 to $475. This time, tickets for the first round are starting from $140 and reaching $2,735. Tickets for the final were sold for $4,185 to $8,680, with the maximum price later raised to $10,990. That means, to watch the final this time, you will have to buy a ticket worth around Rs 10 lakh. A ‘Dynamic Pricing’ system has also been implemented which changes the ticket prices as per the demand.

Also read: What new records will be made in FIFA World Cup 2026? Know in one click

Number of teams increased

The 1994 World Cup was the last tournament with 24 teams. After this, in 1998 the number of teams was 32. Whereas in 2026, 48 teams will participate for the first time. Due to the new format, the team that becomes champion will now have to play eight matches instead of seven.

Change in shape of grounds also

FIFA had fixed the length of the field at 105 meters and width at 68 meters in 1994, but stadiums had the freedom to have smaller fields than the prescribed measurements. In 2026, all the stadiums have been designed as per the standards set by FIFA.

How much will the number of viewers increase?

The 1994 World Cup, hosted by the United States, had a total of 35.9 lakh spectators in 52 matches, which was a record at that time. This time due to increase in the number of matches, 60 to 70 lakh spectators are expected to come.

Also read: 48 teams, 104 matches… What is special in FIFA World Cup 2026? Know every detail here

three minute break

Earlier there were no water breaks in football matches. Despite the hot and humid weather in the 1994 World Cup, matches were played without any special water break. Now the rules have changed. This time there will be a three-minute water break in each half. Coaches will also be able to use this time to explain strategies to the players.

Now 5 players can be changed

At the World Cup 1994, a team could change a maximum of two players, while an additional change was allowed for the goalkeeper in special circumstances. In 2026, every team will be able to change five players. There will also be a facility for sixth change in extra time and separate change in case of head injury (concussion).