Ticket prices for the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium have soared past the $2 million mark less than 24 hours before kickoff, making it the most expensive sporting event ever held in the United States. The match features Lionel Messi's Argentina against Spain and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

On Friday, nearly all tickets appeared sold on FIFA's platform, with a few listed at around $32,000. By Saturday, FIFA's resale platform offered tickets ranging from just under $10,000 to as high as $2.3 million. Experts say FIFA correctly gauged demand, setting high prices that fans were willing to pay.

According to Reuters analysis, more than half of the 72 group-stage matches were at full capacity, with FIFA reporting 99.7% of seats filled during the preliminary stage. This erased early concerns that steep prices would deter fans.

FIFA introduced dynamic pricing for the first time, allowing ticket prices to fluctuate based on real-time demand. Columbia University professor Adam Elmachtoub noted that while fans accept dynamic pricing for airfare and clothing, transparency is crucial for high-profile events.

Lax resale rules in the US have accelerated price inflation. On SeatGeek, the average ticket for the final exceeded $11,000, 8% above the 2024 Super Bowl. The platform called it the most expensive event it has ever sold.

Human rights experts criticized the tournament as inaccessible to many fans. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino's promise of the most inclusive World Cup, supporters from several countries were unable to obtain visas, according to the Sport & Rights Alliance.

Source: www.aljazeera.com