Prices draw criticism, but one Miami matchup is seeing demand that rivals – and even surpasses – America’s biggest sporting event.
This World Cup game just out-priced the Super Bowl: ‘the most expensive game of the group stage’
The sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup has faced sharp criticism since the first phase launched, with high prices prompting fans to complain about how expensive it will be to attend a game this summer.
World Cup vs Super Bowl pricing
Even so, demand for certain matchups has remained strong despite the steep costs, as seen with the clash between Portugal and Colombia set for June 27 in Miami, which will close out the group stage.
According to The Wall Street Journal, overwhelming demand for that game has pushed resale prices beyond those of one of the biggest sporting events in the United States – the Super Bowl – highlighting just how significant the matchup has become.
The outlet reports that resale tickets for this group-stage showdown have reached as high as $2,500, making it the most expensive game of the group stage on the secondary market. At that price point, it even surpasses resale tickets for the Super Bowl at a comparable stage.
Colombia-Portugal is only a group-stage match, but the combination of ardent fan support for these teams—and the game’s location—have driven resale prices past the Super Bowl. https://t.co/yGExnqlBBi
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) May 8, 2026
How much does it cost on average to attend a Super Bowl?
The Wall Street Journal’s comparison shows that for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, the cheapest ticket was priced at around $2,109.
By contrast, World Cup tickets – particularly for Portugal vs. Colombia – are starting at $2,500, according to data from TicketData cited by the publication.
The surge in prices is also fueled by local factors. Miami’s large Colombian community is expected to drive strong attendance, while global interest in seeing Cristiano Ronaldo play in what is widely anticipated to be his final World Cup has further increased demand.
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