World Cup Parking Passes Listed at Up to $175 — Fans Shocked

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is already making headlines, not for the football itself, but for the staggering cost of parking. Fans across North America have expressed outrage after official listings showed parking passes priced as high as $175 for some matches, including semi-final fixtures in Dallas. The revelation has sparked widespread debate about affordability and accessibility, with supporters accusing FIFA of pushing ordinary fans out of the live experience.

The 2026 World of Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be one of the biggest tournaments in history — but also one of the most expensive. According to official listings released this week, parking passes for certain venues have been priced between $75 and $175, depending on the match and stadium location. For context, that’s more than the average price of a regular-season NFL game ticket in some cities.

The most expensive parking passes so far have been found for matches scheduled at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, one of the main venues for the World Cup semi-finals. Reports show that fans attending these high-profile games will need to pay up to $175 just to park their cars. Even group-stage matches in some American cities are commanding parking prices between $50 and $100, creating shockwaves among supporters who have long considered football’s global showcase to be an inclusive event.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the prices,” said Mike Hernandez, a long-time U.S. soccer fan from Houston. “I was planning to take my family to one or two games, but when you add up the ticket cost, food, and now parking, it becomes completely unaffordable.” His sentiment echoes across social media, where fans have been voicing their frustration with FIFA and local organizers for what they see as excessive commercialization.

FIFA, however, defended the pricing, claiming that the limited number of parking spaces and high demand in certain venues have influenced the costs. In a brief statement, the organization said, “Parking allocations are managed by local venue operators in partnership with city authorities, and pricing reflects logistical and security requirements.” The governing body also pointed out that fans are encouraged to use public transportation or shuttle services to reduce congestion around stadiums.

Yet, despite these reassurances, many supporters argue that such high parking costs are just another example of how major sporting events are becoming increasingly out of reach for the average fan. The 2026 World Cup is expected to attract over 5 million ticket holders, with North America hosting matches across 16 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City. With hotel prices and ticket demand already soaring, the revelation about parking expenses has further fueled concerns about affordability.

Sports economists have also weighed in, describing FIFA’s pricing structure as part of a larger trend. “The World Cup is no longer just a sporting event — it’s a premium global product,” explained Dr. Steven Price, a sports business analyst. “Every component, from tickets to merchandise to parking, is now being monetized to maximize revenue. While this is understandable from a business standpoint, it risks alienating the fans who built the game.”

Indeed, the modern World Cup has evolved into one of the most commercially lucrative sporting events in the world. The 2022 edition in Qatar generated more than $7.5 billion in revenue, setting new financial records for FIFA. With the 2026 tournament expected to surpass that figure — thanks to a 48-team format and expanded schedule — organizers are under immense pressure to capitalize on every potential revenue stream.

However, critics argue that these financial strategies come at the expense of accessibility. “It’s ironic that FIFA keeps talking about growing the game globally, yet continues to price fans out of the experience,” said U.S. fan group organizer Laura Wilson. “Parking should be a basic amenity, not a luxury.” Her comments reflect a broader frustration among grassroots supporters who feel that football’s governing body has shifted its focus from passion to profit.

The controversy also highlights a recurring issue with mega-events: the strain they place on host cities and their infrastructure. Local governments often face the dual challenge of meeting FIFA’s requirements while managing public expectations. In cities like Los Angeles and New York, where stadiums are already surrounded by limited parking zones, authorities are struggling to balance logistical planning with community concerns.

Experts warn that parking prices could rise even higher once ticket sales fully open and demand peaks closer to 2026. Resale markets are likely to further inflate prices, especially for knockout-stage matches. “It’s simple supply and demand,” noted economist Dr. Price. “With limited spaces and millions of fans traveling from across the world, these figures may just be the beginning.”

Some cities are already exploring alternative solutions to ease the burden on fans. Reports indicate that Dallas and Miami are planning park-and-ride systems, where fans can leave their vehicles at designated lots and take free or low-cost shuttles to the stadiums. Meanwhile, Canadian and Mexican host cities, which generally have lower transportation costs, are emphasizing public transit use to reduce expenses.

Still, the frustration among fans remains palpable. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #FIFAGreed and #WorldCupCosts have trended throughout the week, as supporters from around the world expressed disappointment. One viral post read, “$175 for parking? I guess walking to the stadium is the real World Cup challenge.”

As FIFA continues to finalize logistics for what will be the largest World Cup ever staged, the debate over affordability is likely to intensify. While the organization remains focused on record-breaking revenues, the backlash from fans serves as a reminder that football’s appeal lies not just in the spectacle, but in its accessibility to everyone — from the die-hard supporters to the families experiencing their first match.

The outrage over $175 parking passes underscores a growing disconnect between football’s governing bodies and the fans who keep the sport alive. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, FIFA and local organizers will need to strike a delicate balance between profitability and inclusion. The tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches across three nations, but if costs continue to spiral, many loyal supporters may be left watching from home — priced out of the world’s most beloved game.