UAE Fans Brace for a Pricey 2026 FIFA World Cup as Costs Hit Record Highs

Football fans in the UAE are already doing the math — and for many, the 2026 Fifa World Cup is shaping up to be the most expensive one yet. With matches spread across the US, Mexico, and Canada, the cost of following your team live could hit Dh50,000 to Dh65,000, and that’s before any last-minute surprises.

Why the 2026 World Cup Hits Different

Unlike Qatar 2022, where fans could hop between stadiums in a single day, the 2026 edition spans three countries. Some host cities are nearly 5,000 kilometres apart, turning a football trip into a full-blown travel marathon.

Flights alone from the UAE are already pricey. A return ticket from Dubai to US cities like Dallas is hovering around Dh5,400, while trips to Mexico City cost roughly the same. Canada is slightly cheaper for now, but prices are expected to rise as demand builds closer to kickoff.

Tickets Cost More — A Lot More

According to Football Supporters Europe, fans hoping to attend all three group-stage matches and the final could spend at least $6,900 — nearly five times what a similar experience cost in Qatar in 2022.

Fifa has announced a limited number of $60 tickets across all matches, but these are reserved for select “loyal fans” and may still be affected by dynamic pricing. For most fans, standard ticket prices — especially for knockout rounds — are expected to climb fast.

From Weekend Trip to Major Commitment

For Dubai-based fans who enjoyed the convenience of Qatar 2022, the shift is huge. Back then, many fans paid a few thousand dirhams to attend multiple matches, with affordable tickets and short flights.

Now, hotel stays, internal flights between host cities, and match tickets quickly add up. Several fans say even a basic trip covering flights, accommodation, and tickets could easily cross Dh50,000.

Hospitality Packages Take Center Stage

With regular fans feeling priced out, hospitality and corporate packages are expected to dominate. Sports tourism agencies say entry-level hospitality experiences — including flights and hotels — could start from $10,000 per person, with premium options going much higher.

These packages are likely to attract businesses, executives, and high-spending fans, especially as demand from South America and Mexico ramps up.

More Than Just Money Concerns

Beyond cost, some fans are also worried about logistics and visas. US visa appointment wait times remain long, and uncertainty around host cities and security has added another layer of hesitation for travellers planning far ahead.

Is It Still Worth It?

For die-hard fans, the World Cup is still a once-in-four-years dream worth chasing — even at a premium. But for many UAE-based supporters who experienced Qatar’s accessibility, 2026 feels less like a spontaneous football trip and more like a major financial decision.

As ticket sales near and travel plans firm up, one thing is clear: the 2026 World Cup won’t just test team loyalty — it’ll test budgets too.