With the World Cup returning to North America and European club football reaching the final months of the 25/26 season, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in football history.

But that excitement comes at a price. Literally.

From the World Cup Final in New Jersey to Premier League showdowns at the Emirates, we've ranked the 10 most expensive football matches of 2026 based on current starting ticket prices available on SeatPick.com.

The 10 Most Expensive Football Matches in 2026

Match	Date & Venue	Price
1. World Cup 2026 Final	19 July 2026 — MetLife Stadium, New Jersey	£4,346
2. Champions League Final	30 May 2026 — Puskás Aréna, Budapest	£2,832
3. Mexico vs South Africa	11 June 2026 — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City	£1,666
4. World Cup Semi-Final 1	14 July 2026 — AT&T Stadium, Arlington	£1,275
5. World Cup Semi-Final 2	15 July 2026 — Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta	£1,079
6. Arsenal vs Burnley	17 May 2026 — Emirates Stadium, London	£929
7. Europa League Final	20 May 2026 — Beşiktaş Park, Istanbul	£847
8. Portugal vs Colombia	27 June 2026 — AT&T Stadium, Arlington	£822
9. FA Cup Final 2026	16 May 2026 — Wembley Stadium, London	£792
10. Brazil vs Scotland	24 June 2026 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami	£787

*Prices shown are starting prices on SeatPick as of January 7 2026. As the leading aggregator of reliable resale tickets, these prices fluctuate regularly.

Browse All of SeatPick.com's Football Tickets →

1. World Cup 2026 Final – £4,346

MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | 19 July 2026

The crown jewel of world football returns to American soil for the first time since 1994, and the 2026 World Cup Final promises to be the most-watched sporting event in history.

MetLife Stadium, temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament, will host over 82,000 fans as two nations battle for the ultimate prize.

The expanded 48-team format makes this the biggest World Cup ever staged, and with matches spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the final represents the culmination of a month-long celebration of the beautiful game. It is expected that 2 billion viewers will tune in worldwide, making this quite simply the most significant fixture on the planet.

With starting prices north of £4,300, this isn't a casual night out. But for those who can afford it, witnessing a World Cup Final on home soil, or involving their own national team, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

2. Champions League Final 2026 – £2,832

Puskás Aréna, Budapest | 30 May 2026

Europe's premier club competition heads to Hungary for the first time, with Budapest's stunning Puskás Aréna playing host to the 71st edition of the Champions League Final. The 67,000-capacity stadium, which previously hosted the 2023 Europa League Final, has already proven itself capable of staging major UEFA events.

What makes this final particularly intriguing is the timing. Taking place just 12 days before the World Cup kicks off, Europe's elite clubs will be battling for continental glory with one eye on summer tournament preparations. The earlier 6pm kick-off time (a new UEFA initiative) is designed to enhance the fan experience and create a true festival atmosphere in the Hungarian capital.

With hotels in Budapest already at 92% capacity for the final weekend, demand is expected to be fierce, reflected in ticket prices that rival some World Cup knockout matches.

3. Mexico vs South Africa – £1,666

Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | 11 June 2026

The opening match of the 2026 World Cup carries enormous symbolic weight. Mexico will kick off the tournament at the legendary Estadio Azteca, a venue that has witnessed two World Cup Finals (1970 and 1986) and remains one of football's most iconic cathedrals.

For South Africa, this fixture holds poetic significance. They were the last nation outside Europe or the Americas to host a World Cup in 2010, and now they return to the global stage against the co-hosts in front of 80,000 passionate Mexican supporters.

The Azteca's altitude (over 2,200 metres above sea level) and the deafening atmosphere created by El Tri's faithful make this one of the most challenging venues in world football. Opening matches traditionally set the tone for the entire tournament, and with Mexico desperate to advance beyond the Round of 16 for the first time since 1986, expect an electric atmosphere from the first whistle.

Mexico vs South Africa Tickets →

4. World Cup 2026 Semi-Final 1 – £1,275

USA | 14 July 2026

By mid-July, the 48 teams will have been whittled down to just four, and the semi-finals represent the final hurdle before the ultimate prize. The first semi-final promises edge-of-seat drama as two nations compete for a place in the World Cup Final.

Semi-finals historically produce some of the tournament's most memorable moments. From West Germany's comeback against France in 1982 to Brazil's humiliation against Germany in 2014. With everything on the line and nothing left to lose, these matches often deliver pure, unfiltered footballing drama.

At the AT&T Stadium, fans can expect a state-of-the-art American stadium packed to capacity with supporters from around the globe.

5. World Cup 2026 Semi-Final 2 – £1,079

USA | 15 July 2026

The second semi-final follows just 24 hours later, giving the winner precious little recovery time before the final. This condensed schedule adds another layer of intrigue - will the fresher team have an advantage in the final, or will momentum carry the day?

Both semi-finals offer exceptional value compared to the final itself, with starting prices roughly 75% cheaper while still delivering knockout football at the highest level. For fans seeking the World Cup experience without the final's premium, the semi-finals represent the sweet spot of value and spectacle.

6. Arsenal vs Burnley – £929

Emirates Stadium, London | 17 May 2026

The only Premier League match to crack the top 10, Arsenal vs Burnley is the final home game for the Gunners as they bid to win their first league title since 2004.

There is little doubt that the reason Arsenal fans are pushing the prices up on this game, on the resale market, is that many believe this will be the day Mikel Arteta and his squad lift the Premier League trophy.

The Emirates Stadium's relatively modest 60,000 capacity combined with Arsenal's enormous global fanbase creates a supply-demand imbalance that pushes prices skyward. For the final Premier League home match of the season, with everything potentially on the line, fans are willing to pay a premium to be part of history.

7. Europa League Final 2026 – £847

Beşiktaş Park, Istanbul | 20 May 2026

Istanbul returns to the European final spotlight as Beşiktaş Park hosts the 2026 Europa League Final. The intimate 42,000-seat stadium, nestled on the Bosphorus waterfront, offers one of the most unique matchday experiences in European football.

The Europa League has grown significantly in prestige over recent years, with major clubs increasingly viewing it as a genuine trophy worth winning rather than a consolation prize. The winner earns a place in the following season's Champions League, adding significant sporting and financial incentive.

Istanbul's rich football heritage and the passionate Turkish atmosphere make this an attractive destination for travelling supporters, while the city's position straddling Europe and Asia adds an exotic element to the experience.

8. Portugal vs Colombia – £822

AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 27 June 2026

This Group K clash brings two of football's most entertaining nations together at the enormous AT&T Stadium in Texas. Portugal, likely featuring an ageing but still brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo in what could be his World Cup swansong, face a Colombian side brimming with attacking talent.

At over 80,000 capacity, AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys) offers a truly American sporting experience combined with South American and European football passion. The significant Hispanic population in Texas ensures Colombia will have substantial support, while Portugal's global following guarantees a partisan atmosphere.

This group stage match has all the ingredients of a classic: Two attack-minded teams, world-class individuals, and knockout implications likely hanging in the balance.

9. FA Cup Final 2026 – £792

Wembley Stadium, London | 16 May 2026

The world's oldest football competition reaches its climax beneath the famous Wembley arch. The FA Cup Final remains one of English football's most cherished traditions, offering clubs from all levels of the football pyramid the chance to lift silverware and secure European qualification.

What makes the FA Cup special is its unpredictability. Giant-killings throughout the tournament create romantic narratives, and the final often features unexpected participants alongside established powers. The occasion itself, the walk down Wembley Way, the pre-match ceremonies, and the trophy presentation on that famous pitch, create memories that last a lifetime.

With 90,000 supporters creating an unmatched atmosphere and the historic significance of lifting the famous trophy, the FA Cup Final offers exceptional value compared to European finals at a similar level.

10. Brazil vs Scotland – £787

Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara | 24 June 2026

The Seleção face Scotland in a Group C encounter that pits five-time World Cup winners against a nation making its first World Cup appearance since 1998. The contrast in World Cup pedigree could hardly be starker, yet Scotland's qualification has generated enormous excitement north of the border.

Brazil remain the tournament's most successful nation and perennial favourites, while Scotland's Tartan Army are renowned as some of football's most passionate and good-natured travelling supporters. Expect Santa Clara to be awash with kilts and carnival atmosphere.

For Scottish fans who have waited nearly three decades to see their nation at a World Cup, no price is too high. For neutrals, the opportunity to watch Brazil's famous yellow shirts at a World Cup is bucket-list territory.

Brazil vs Scotland Tickets →

How to Get the Best Prices on 2026 Football Tickets

Ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, team progression (in knockout tournaments), and proximity to match day. Here are some tips for securing the best deals:

• Book early for fixed fixtures – Finals and group stage matches won't change, so if you know you want to attend, earlier purchases often mean better prices.
• Monitor prices regularly – Use SeatPick.com to spot when tickets become available at lower prices.
• Consider alternatives – Semi-finals offer similar World Cup drama at significantly lower prices than the final.
• Check multiple categories – Sometimes mid-tier seating offers better value than the cheapest or most expensive options.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 football calendar offers something for everyone. From the once-in-a-generation spectacle of a home World Cup in North America to the annual drama of European club football's biggest nights.

While prices at the top end reflect the extraordinary demand for these marquee fixtures, the memories created at these matches are truly priceless.

Whether you're planning to witness history at MetLife Stadium or experience the passion of the Emirates on the final home game of the season, 2026 promises to be an unforgettable year for football fans worldwide.