As the dust settles on the World Cup group stage draw that took place last weekend, we have delved into the ticket price data to try and discover which are the most expensive teams to watch in the North America World Cup.
Our analysis of all 72 group stage matches reveals World Cup 2026 ticket prices range from £487 to £3,492 for a complete group stage experience — a staggering seven-fold difference depending on the team you follow.
With the tournament kicking off in June 2026 across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, we’ve crunched the numbers to reveal the most expensive teams to watch at World Cup 2026, the best-value options for budget-conscious fans, and exactly how much England and Scotland supporters should expect to pay.
As an aggregator of reliable resale tickets, the 2026 World Cup is the perfect opportunity for SeatPick to show the incredible amounts of data we have at our fingertips.
How Much Are World Cup 2026 Tickets? The Full Picture
Before diving into team-by-team breakdowns, here’s what you need to know about World Cup 2026 ticket prices:
- Most expensive team to follow: Mexico at £3,492 (three matches)
- Cheapest team to follow: Cape Verde at £487 (three matches)
- Average cost per match: £350–£400 for starting prices
- England group stage total: £1,322
- Scotland group stage total: £1,459
Prices vary dramatically based on venue location, opponent quality, and narrative significance.
Mexican stadiums command the highest premiums, while US and Canadian venues offer more competitive pricing due to larger capacities.
Why Mexico Is the Most Expensive Team at World Cup 2026
If you’re planning to follow El Tri through the group stage, prepare for the tournament’s steepest prices.
Mexico tops our rankings with a combined cost of £3,492 for all three group matches — an average of £1,164 per game.
The driving factor? Mexico’s opening match against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 14th. As the tournament’s ceremonial opener in one of football’s most iconic stadiums, tickets start at £1,656. Add Mexico matches against South Korea and a TBD playoff winner, and Mexican fans face a serious investment.
To put this in perspective, following Mexico costs seven times more than following Cape Verde, the tournament’s most affordable option at just £487 for all three matches.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices: Mexico vs USA vs Canada Venues
The data reveals a clear pattern: matches played in Mexico command significant premiums over those in the USA and Canada.
This “host nation effect” isn’t limited to Mexico’s home matches — any fixture at the Azteca or Estadio Akron in Guadalajara carries inflated pricing.
South Africa, Colombia, and South Korea all rank in the top ten most expensive teams largely because they share Mexico’s group or play multiple matches in Mexican stadiums.
Key takeaway: If budget matters, prioritise matches in American and Canadian cities where larger stadium capacities keep World Cup 2026 ticket prices more competitive.
Portugal and Argentina World Cup 2026 Tickets: The Legends Premium
This World Cup is widely expected to be the last for both Cristiano Ronaldo (41 by tournament time) and Lionel Messi (38). The market has priced this accordingly.
Portugal ranks 4th most expensive at £1,794, with their marquee clash against Colombia driving much of that premium. The chance to see the South Americans take on Ronaldo — potentially his final World Cup appearance – has created extraordinary demand.
Argentina, the defending champions, sit 6th at £1,492. While slightly more affordable than Portugal, watching Messi’s potential farewell tour still carries a premium reflecting his status in the game.
For fans asking “how much are World Cup 2026 tickets to see Ronaldo or Messi?” — expect to pay 50–100% more than equivalent fixtures without these generational talents.
England World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices: Full Breakdown
English fans face a total outlay of £1,322 to watch all three group stage matches, placing the Three Lions 9th in our rankings — firmly mid-table among the 48 qualified nations.
Here’s exactly how much England World Cup 2026 tickets cost for each group match:
The Croatia opener carries the highest average prices (£1,902), reflecting the rivalry renewed from 2018’s semi-final heartbreak. Ghana actually has the highest starting price at £480, suggesting strong demand from the African diaspora in North America.
England vs Panama offers the best value at £369 to start — though by matchday three, England’s progression (or elimination) will likely have been decided.
England World Cup 2026 Group Stage Ticket Prices
| Match | Date | Starting Price | Avg Price | Tickets Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏴 England vs 🇭🇷 Croatia | June 17 | £473 | £1,902 | 5,676 |
| 🏴 England vs 🇬🇭 Ghana | June 23 | £480 | £1,516 | 6,164 |
| 🏴 England vs 🇵🇦 Panama | June 27 | £369 | £1,233 | 5,368 |
| Total | — | £1,322 | £4,651 | 17,208 |
Prices based on SeatPick data as of December 10, 2025.
Scotland World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices: Why the Tartan Army Pays More Than England
Here’s one that might surprise you: Scotland ranks 7th most expensive at £1,459 — ahead of England, Germany, and France.
The reason? Scotland landed in Brazil‘s group.
Their June 20th clash against the five-time champions is driving massive demand, with the combination of Tartan Army passion and Brazilian football glamour creating a perfect storm for ticket prices.
Scotland World Cup 2026 tickets break down as follows:
- Scotland vs Brazil: £650+ (highest single-match price for any UK team)
- Scotland vs Haiti: £400+
- Scotland vs TBD: £400+
For Scottish fans dreaming of a famous victory against Brazil, that carries a £1,459 price tag minimum.
Cheapest World Cup 2026 Tickets: Best Value Teams to Watch
Not every top nation commands top prices. If you’re looking for the cheapest World Cup 2026 tickets without sacrificing quality football, these teams offer exceptional value:
The Dutch, despite being perennial contenders, sit at just £250 per match average. Belgium, still boasting Kevin De Bruyne (if recovered from injury), offers similar value. Japan, one of Asia’s strongest sides, comes in at just £218 per game.
These teams play predominantly in US venues with larger capacities and less concentrated demand — smart picks for fans wanting elite football without elite prices.
Following Cape Verde through all three group matches costs less than a single ticket to Mexico’s opening game.
Best Value Elite Teams at World Cup 2026
| Team | FIFA Ranking – Dec. 10, 2025 | Total Cost | Per Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 7 | £749 | £250 |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 8 | £714 | £238 |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 18 | £654 | £218 |
Follow elite football without elite prices — these contenders offer the best value at World Cup 2026.
France World Cup 2026 Tickets: The Best Value Contender
Defending 2018 champions and 2022 finalists France rank just 16th at £1,021 — behind Haiti, Ecuador, and Morocco.
Les Bleus’ relatively affordable pricing stems from their group location in the American Midwest and East Coast, where venue sizes are larger and local demand lower than Mexican host cities.
For fans of Kylian Mbappé and company, France represents arguably the best value for a genuine tournament contender. You’re paying roughly £340 per match to watch one of the favourites — less than half what Mexico supporters pay.
🏆 Most Expensive Teams to Watch at World Cup 2026
Based on starting ticket prices for all three group stage matches:
| Rank | Team | Total Cost | Avg Per Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | £3,492 | £1,164 |
| 2 | 🇨🇴 Colombia | £2,025 | £675 |
| 3 | 🇿🇦 South Africa | £1,949 | £650 |
| 4 | 🇵🇹 Portugal | £1,794 | £598 |
| 5 | 🇧🇷 Brazil | £1,537 | £512 |
| 6 | 🇦🇷 Argentina | £1,492 | £497 |
| 7 | 🏴 Scotland | £1,459 | £486 |
| 8 | 🇺🇸 United States | £1,411 | £470 |
| 9 | 🏴 England | £1,322 | £441 |
| 10 | 🇰🇷 South Korea | £1,261 | £420 |
| 11 | 🇨🇦 Canada | £1,257 | £419 |
| 12 | 🇩🇪 Germany | £1,230 | £410 |
| 13 | 🇲🇦 Morocco | £1,154 | £385 |
| 14 | 🇭🇹 Haiti | £1,079 | £360 |
| 15 | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | £1,038 | £346 |
| 16 | 🇫🇷 France | £1,021 | £340 |
| 17 | 🇭🇷 Croatia | £998 | £333 |
| 18 | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | £993 | £331 |
| 19 | 🇪🇸 Spain | £955 | £318 |
| 20 | 🇬🇭 Ghana | £944 | £315 |
| 21 | 🇳🇴 Norway | £939 | £313 |
| 22 | 🇵🇦 Panama | £920 | £307 |
| 23 | 🇺🇾 Uruguay | £905 | £302 |
| 24 | 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | £896 | £299 |
| 25 | 🇵🇾 Paraguay | £843 | £281 |
| 26 | 🇦🇹 Austria | £841 | £280 |
| 27 | 🇦🇺 Australia | £762 | £254 |
| 28 | 🇯🇴 Jordan | £760 | £253 |
| 29 | 🇮🇷 Iran | £755 | £252 |
| 30 | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | £749 | £250 |
| 31 | 🇧🇪 Belgium | £714 | £238 |
| 32 | 🇸🇳 Senegal | £714 | £238 |
| 33 | 🇶🇦 Qatar | £694 | £231 |
| 34 | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | £687 | £229 |
| 35 | 🇩🇿 Algeria | £661 | £220 |
| 36 | 🇯🇵 Japan | £654 | £218 |
| 37 | 🇳🇿 New Zealand | £617 | £206 |
| 38 | 🇪🇬 Egypt | £601 | £200 |
| 39 | 🇨🇼 Curaçao | £545 | £182 |
| 40 | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | £516 | £172 |
| 41 | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | £490 | £163 |
| 42 | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | £487 | £162 |
Prices based on SeatPick starting prices as of December 10, 2025. Converted at €1 = £0.83.
How to Save Money on World Cup 2026 Tickets
Our data reveals clear patterns that savvy fans can exploit. Here are seven proven strategies to reduce your World Cup 2026 costs:
1. Choose US and Canadian Venues Over Mexican Stadiums
The numbers are clear: Mexican venues command the highest premiums across the board. Prioritise matches in American and Canadian cities where larger stadium capacities keep prices 40–60% lower than equivalent fixtures at the Azteca.
2. Adopt a “Neutral Fan” Strategy
Rather than following one team exclusively, build your itinerary around value matches. Netherlands vs Japan offers elite football from two top-20 FIFA-ranked nations at a fraction of Mexico vs Colombia pricing. You’ll witness world-class football without the premium attached to marquee narratives.
3. Avoid Opening Matches and Group Finales
Tournament openers carry ceremonial premiums (Mexico vs South Africa at £1,656), while final group stage matches see price spikes as knockout implications crystallise. The sweet spot? Matchday two fixtures, where tournament rhythm is established but desperation pricing hasn’t kicked in.
4. Target “Mismatched” Fixtures
When a big nation faces a smaller qualifier, demand typically skews toward the favourite — but many fans don’t travel for “expected” wins. Matches like France vs New Zealand or Germany vs Uzbekistan offer chances to see elite teams at reduced rates.
5. Book Accommodation in Secondary Cities
The US has excellent transport infrastructure. Staying 30–60 minutes outside major venues can slash accommodation costs by 50% or more. Consider Amtrak or domestic flights between match locations rather than premium hotels in downtown host cities.
6. Bundle Group Stage Matches by Location
Rather than following one team across three different cities, identify a single host city and watch multiple group stage matches there. You’ll save on flights, accommodation, and transport while experiencing 3–4 live World Cup matches.
7. Monitor Prices Closer to Kickoff
While conventional wisdom says “book early,” World Cup ticket markets often see corrections as the tournament approaches. Sellers with unsold inventory may reduce prices in the final weeks — particularly for less glamorous fixtures. SeatPick offers tickets to World Cup matches right up until kick-off.
The Ultimate Budget World Cup 2026 Experience
Want to maximise matches while minimising spend? Follow Cape Verde (£487), Tunisia (£490), or Saudi Arabia (£516) through the group stage. You’ll spend roughly £165 per match — experiencing three live World Cup games for less than a single Mexico ticket.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices: Key Takeaways
Our analysis of all 72 group stage matches reveals several important insights for fans planning their World Cup 2026 experience:
Venue matters more than team quality. Where matches are played determines prices as much as who’s playing. Mexican stadiums command premiums regardless of the teams involved.
Narrative drives demand. Ronaldo’s potential farewell, Messi’s title defence, and host nation storylines inflate prices beyond pure footballing merit.
Hidden gems exist. Teams like Netherlands (£749), Belgium (£714), and Japan (£654) offer elite football at mid-tier prices — smart picks for fans prioritising value.
Early booking is essential for premium matches. While budget fixtures may see price drops, marquee clashes like Portugal vs Colombia will only increase as inventory depletes.
World Cup 2026 will be the most expensive tournament in history. The team you follow will dramatically impact your budget – Mexico fans face a £3,500 group stage bill while Cape Verde supporters see all three matches for under £500.
For most fans, the question isn’t whether to go — it’s whether to follow your heart or your wallet. With smart planning, you might just manage both.
All data correct as of Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
