Going to a World Cup match can cost almost the equivalent of a down payment on an apartment in Mexico. Resale prices for the opening match of the World Cup, which will be played at Estadio Banorte on June 11, for example, range from $7,000 to about $77,700 on some internet platforms. Although the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has authorized official resale in the United States, Canada, and other countries, it has not done so for Mexico. What FIFA has allowed in Mexico is the exchange of tickets, which must be done through FIFA’s official platforms. This option is for those who can no longer attend a match and wish to recover their money.
The Mexican government issued a statement earlier this week to warn the public about possible fraud when purchasing resale tickets. “[Cybercriminals] create fraudulent sites that operate using fake digital identities, built with logos, photographs, fonts, color palettes, and graphic styles that mimic the image of the official pages,” it reads, adding that criminals run campaigns on social media, send mass emails, or distribute text messages promising “unique opportunities” or “limited-time discounts” to obtain sensitive user information (such as full name, address, bank card number) or purchase “tickets” at exorbitant prices.
Platforms such as Viagogo are offering up to three tickets costing over $56,000 for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. For the round of 16, prices range from $1,900 to just over $9,700.
EL PAÍS consulted resellers via WhatsApp for the round of 32 matches; they are offering tickets for up to $2,200 in Category 3 areas, seats located at the top of the stadium. On internet platforms such as Viagogo or SeatGeek, tickets cost around $5,083. Tickets for the third-place match, which will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, are being offered on WhatsApp starting at $1,527; on platforms, they range from $1,751 to $8,975.
The platform set up by FIFA for ticket resale and exchange closed on February 22, but will reopen on April 2 at 11:00 Eastern Time, and 8:00 Pacific Time. A few days before the closure, Category 3 tickets for the opening match were selling for $5,324; their original price was almost $905. But the price hike is not unique to Mexico: on the official resale market for the match between France and Senegal, which will be played in New Jersey, tickets reached $1,000 compared to the original price of $241, according to Mexican newspaper El Economista.
There are tickets that cannot be purchased or resold on the official platform, such as digital collectibles or any FIFA Collect tickets (NFTs or unique digital items), hospitality packages that include tickets, accreditation passes, and complimentary or promotional tickets, according to the official website.
The Mexican government recommends purchasing tickets and following procedures only on FIFA’s official website. It also advises being wary of prices that are unusually low or of any urgency to sell tickets under the pretext of a setback; to distrust offers received through instant‑messaging apps or unsolicited emails; not to send money through deposits or direct transfers to private individuals; not to share personal data, passwords, or verification codes; to activate alerts for movements on bank accounts or cards to detect unauthorized charges immediately; and to report any suspicious website, attempted fraud, or improper charge to the relevant authorities.
