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Tickets for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have gone on sale, with pricing for residents starting at 40 Qatari riyals ($11), the lowest for locals since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
The number of fans allowed into stadiums for the first World Cup in an Arab country, which runs from November 21 to December 18, has yet to be published by FIFA or the local organising committee.
Individual match tickets for international fans start at 250 riyals ($69) – approximately a third less than at Russia 2018, while a ticket for the December 18 final at Lusail Stadium costs 5,850 riyals ($1,607), up 46% from $1,100 for the 2018 final.
The cheapest tickets for the hosts’ World Cup opener on November 21 cost 1,100 riyals ($302) on the open market, up from $220 in Russia.
Fans who apply before February 8 will be included into a drawing, with winners being contacted by March 8.
The ticketing process is just getting started, with only 13 of the tournament’s 32 slots filled and qualifying not wrapping up until the intercontinental playoffs in June.
Seven stadiums have been erected specifically for the World Cup, and one has been renovated, but due to a lack of accommodation, some spectators may be forced to remain on cruise ships throughout the event.
“The first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world will be a once-in-a-lifetime event,” stated Nasser al-Khater, the CEO of Qatar 2022.
“Qatar is looking forward to bringing football enthusiasts together to celebrate their shared love of the game, learn about a new culture, and enjoy everything our country and region have to offer.”