**FIFA Offers Nearly 1,200 Tickets for World Cup Final at $7,380 Each**
As the countdown to the World Cup final continues, FIFA has announced that nearly 1,200 category two tickets are still available for purchase, each priced at $7,380. The final match is set to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
According to FIFA's last-minute ticket sales platform, there are 1,178 seats remaining across five sections of the stadium's top deck along the sidelines. The breakdown of available tickets includes 282 in section 344, 299 in section 343, 139 in section 335, 443 in section 334, and 15 in section 333.
In addition to the category two tickets, FIFA is also offering 68 front category one tickets located in the lower deck, with prices ranging from $19,995 to $32,970. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, hospitality tickets in the Trophy Lounge and Trophy Lounge+ sections are available for $34,500 and $32,500, respectively, which include food and drinks.
FIFA's ticket sales strategy has attracted significant attention, especially as the organization has faced criticism over the high prices of World Cup tickets. In particular, a fan group has filed a lawsuit against FIFA, alleging that the ticket prices are excessive. This scrutiny has been compounded by previous instances where tickets were listed at exorbitant prices on the resale market, including a notable case in April where four tickets were priced at $2 million each.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed the criticism, making light of the high resale prices while defending the organization's practices. He stated that FIFA is obligated to adhere to U.S. laws that permit the resale of tickets at prices significantly above their face value.
In addition to the final, FIFA is also selling tickets for the upcoming quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland, scheduled for Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Prices for these tickets range from $1,600 to $3,995.
The ticketing situation has not only raised eyebrows among fans but has also led to further scrutiny from state authorities. FIFA is currently facing a subpoena from the states of New York and New Jersey as part of an investigation into ticket pricing and the accuracy of seat locations for the World Cup.
As the tournament approaches, the availability of tickets and the associated costs continue to be a focal point for fans and stakeholders alike.