The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already creating a buzz among football fans worldwide, and Nigerians are no exception. 

For the first time, the tournament will be hosted across three countries  the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. 

While the excitement is building, many Nigerians are already asking: how much will it really cost to be part of the action?

Ticket Prices: From Affordable to Out of Reach

FIFA has officially released ticket categories, with prices depending on the venue and stage of the competition. 

The cheapest tickets start at around $60 (₦87,900) for group-stage matches, while the most expensive, Category 1 seats for the final, are priced at $6,730 (over ₦9 million).

For the opening matches, the prices are steep but vary across the three host nations:

• Mexico (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
  • Category 1: $1,825 (₦2.6m)
  • Category 2: $1,290 (₦1.8m)
  • Category 3: $745 (₦1m)
  • Category 4: $370 (₦542k)
• Canada (BMO Field, Toronto)
  • Category 1: $1,745 (₦2.5m)
  • Category 2: $1,240 (₦1.8m)
  • Category 3: $715 (₦1m)
  • Category 4: $355 (₦520k)
• United States (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
  • Category 1: $2,735 (₦3.9m)
  • Category 2: $1,940 (₦2.8m)
  • Category 3: $1,120 (₦1.6m)
  • Category 4: $560 (₦812k)

This shows that while some Nigerians may afford the lower-tier tickets, premium seats are priced far beyond the reach of the average fan.

Other Costs Nigerians Must Consider

Beyond tickets, Nigerians planning to attend must also factor in other expenses. Flight tickets to North America, hotel accommodation, feeding, and transportation across host cities will add significantly to the overall cost. For many, this might mean spending millions of naira just to watch a few matches live.

On top of that, visa issues may pose a challenge. The United States, in particular, has strict immigration rules, and fans are being urged to apply for visas early.

High Global Demand for Tickets

Ticket demand has already been strong from countries like Germany, England, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and Italy. With a record-breaking 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 host cities, FIFA expects to sell over 7 million tickets, making it the biggest World Cup ever.

Warning on Fake Tickets

FIFA has also issued a stern warning to fans not to fall for unofficial websites claiming to sell tickets. At this stage, only FIFA’s official ticketing platforms are safe to use.

What This Means for Nigerian Fans

For many Nigerian football lovers, watching the 2026 World Cup live will be a once-in-a-lifetime dream. But with the high cost of tickets and additional expenses, only a small fraction of fans may actually make the trip. 

The rest will likely settle for TV broadcasts and public viewing centers back home. Still, the idea of Nigerians waving the green and white flag inside massive stadiums in Mexico City, Toronto, or Texas is a thrilling thought. 

For those who can afford it, the 2026 World Cup promises to be more than just football, it will be an unforgettable global experience.