LONDON, Jan 19, (AP): The cost of attending the World Cup final is up to 46% higher in Qatar than the previous tournament in Russia, fans discovered Wednesday as tickets went on sale. The steep rise in the prices for the FIFA showpiece match since 2018 contrasts with the group stage – apart from the opening game – and round of 16 seeing a reduction in the cost of the cheapest tickets, which fans can apply for online. The most expensive tickets on general sale for the Dec. 18 final at Lusail Stadium are 5,850 Qatari riyals ($1,607), up 46% from the $1,100 for the 2018 final won by France. Category-two tickets are 3,650 Qatari riyals ($1,003), up 41% from $710 for the final four years ago.

Category-three tickets – the cheapest available for international fans – are 2,200 Qatari riyals ($604), one-third more expensive than the $455 last time. The category-four final tickets for local residents soars from the equivalent of $110 in Russia to 750 Qatari riyals ($206). The cheapest seats on general sale internationally to watch the host nation open the World Cup on Nov 21 soar 37% to $302 (1,100 Qatari riyals) from $220 in Russia. There’s a rise of 13% for category-two tickets to $440 (1,600 Qatari riyals) from $390 and a similar jump from $550 in Russia to $618 (2,250 Qatari riyals) for the most expensive opening game tickets.

For other matches in the group stage, Qatari residents can buy tickets for 40 Qatari riyals ($11) – the cheapest for locals since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The cheapest tickets on international sale are the lowest prices since the 2006 World Cup in Germany at 250 Qatari riyals ($69). Categoryone tickets have risen marginally from $210 to $220 (800 Qatari riyals) while the category two will remain at $165.