The wait is over. FIFA opened this Wednesday the phase for presenting tickets to enjoy the World Cup in Qatar 2022, with prices that start from the 19 Qatari Rials ($11 dollars), reserved for residents of the host country and migrant workers.
The Associated Press indicates that these prices are the cheapest from Mexico 1986, when there were tickets that were worth $3 dollars. In Russia 2018, for example, the tickets available for the stadiums cost about $22 dollars, double that in Qatar 2022.
“This is a World Cup for Qatar, for the region and for the world, so the guys of tickets presented today respond to FIFA’s objective of bringing the beautiful game to as many fans around the planet as possible”, said Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary General.
This first window, as reported by AFP, will close on February 8. Fans will be able to choose individual match tickets, seat packages to see a specific selection and tickets with easy access for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
On April 1, before the draw, a second phase will take place. Tickets can be secured on a first-come, first-served basis. In the third window it will be allowed to buy conditional tickets for the possible matches in crucial knockout stages, including the final.
The ticket sales portal for the FIFA World Cup #Qatar2022 it is already open.
Request your tickets for the biggest football tournament in the world.https://t.co/qosI9e2IQU pic.twitter.com/tCwVpAEWJD
— Road to 2022 Spanish (@roadtoen) January , 2022
Tickets for the common fan
Tickets for foreign visitors have a minimum value of $69 dollars (category 3), which is one third less for Russian matches 2018. The most expensive (preferential areas) are sold from $40 dollars. A ticket to the final could cost up to $1,675 dollars.
“It will be a football festival in which fans will experience the rich culture and fertile history of the region, thanks to this magnificent setting in top-class stadiums. We are looking forward to bringing together people from different cultures so that they can all experience football together in the World Cup,” said Samoura.
FIFA estimates to obtain $500 million dollars from ticket sales and packages that include lodging and other services. Unlike previous editions, there will be little need to travel within Qatar to get from one stadium to another, as all sub-venues are within a radius of 40 kilometres.
While the Omicron variant continues to cause concern in the world, the organizers of Qatar 2022 predicted that they expect to receive 1.2 million tourists to encourage the 22 selections. As there will not be enough hotels, it is possible that some fans will stay in cruise ships or residences.
“All attendees must follow the travel instructions of the Qatari authorities and the guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Qatar. Full information on security measures against the pandemic will be communicated before the start of the competition.