Excitement Meets Sticker Shock as Premium Packages Are Revealed
With FIFA World Cup 2026™ just over a year away, anticipation is building in Kansas City, one of the 16 host cities set to welcome the global spectacle. But as premium ticket prices were revealed by hospitality provider On Location, many local fans are having mixed feelings.
Among the first to speak out were patrons and artists at Westport Tattoo, a local business that’s buzzing with soccer talk. For lifelong fan Gabe Wilkerson, the announcement of prices ranging from $1,225 to $3,000 per ticket for group-stage matches was surprising, but not entirely discouraging.
“To have something like that come to Kansas City, with being a big soccer fan all my life and all those world teams coming here, it’s just great,” said Wilkerson, who’s planning to take his family to one of the six games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
General Ticket Sales Still to Come in 2025
While premium hospitality packages are steep, local organizers are quick to reassure fans. Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, noted that general public ticket sales won’t begin until late 2025 and will be handled exclusively via FIFA.com/tickets.
“These tickets, which will be available to the general public, differ from the premium tickets currently being sold for FIFA’s hospitality deposit program, On Location,” Kramer stated.
The general admission tickets are expected to be significantly more affordable, but for families, some level of financial planning may still be required.
Local Fans Weigh In on the Cost
Tim Johnson, owner of Westport Tattoo, said he’s used to paying high prices for major events, including shelling out $800 for UFC floor seats. But World Cup tickets for a family of four could add up quickly.
“If it’s a big event — like a life event, where you may not be able to do it again — $200 to $500-ish wouldn’t be out of the range per ticket,” he said.
Sarah Clark, a tattoo artist and former goalkeeper, recalled watching sparse crowds at Wizards games at Arrowhead in the ’90s. She’s excited about the global energy the World Cup will bring but hopes to find tickets closer to the $150 to $200 range.
“I don’t even care who’s playing,” Clark said. “It would just be cool to go see the experience, meet people from all over the place.”
On Location Offers Premium, But Not for Everyone
On Location, FIFA’s official hospitality partner, provides ticket-included experiences with exclusive perks, targeting corporate clients and high-end fans. But for most Kansas City residents, those prices are simply out of reach.
“For the average Joe, I would imagine that’s not within reach,” Clark admitted. “I, myself, would definitely not be able to afford that.”
Despite initial sticker shock, Wilkerson was relieved the general tickets should be more affordable.
“It’s more than I would probably pay to do it, but that doesn’t sound like it’s outlandish at all,” he said. “I feared it might cost $1,000 or more for any ticket, but this gives me hope.”
FIFA Urges Fans to Be Cautious
In a statement shared by KC2026, FIFA reminded fans to be wary of unofficial sources: “FIFA encourages any fan wishing to purchase tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to be wary of non-FIFA official ticketing websites that claim to be selling tickets already.”
The only legitimate source for general ticket purchases will be FIFA.com/tickets once sales begin in late 2025.
A City Ready for the Global Stage
Kansas City’s inclusion as a World Cup host city marks a major milestone for the region’s growing soccer scene. As fans await the chance to buy their tickets, the mix of excitement and financial caution reflects the unique once-in-a-lifetime nature of the event.
Whether it’s for the love of the game, the global camaraderie, or a new family memory, Kansas City soccer fans are ready — if the price is right.
Category: World Cup 2026, Sports News, Kansas City Events, Fan Reactions
Tags: FIFA World Cup 2026, Kansas City soccer, Arrowhead Stadium World Cup, ticket prices FIFA 2026, On Location hospitality, KC2026, soccer fans, FIFA ticket sales, fan experience, general ticket sales
