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FIFA is making 12 couch seats available directly on the field at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) for the 2026 World Cup, meaning a handful of fortunate fans this summer will not only get to watch their team play just feet from the action, but may also find themselves within range of flying sweat droplets and the casual remarks players exchange with one another.
The plush, premium seating offered through FIFA's official hospitality partner, On Location, will be on offer for all eight matches in East Rutherford, N.J., including the World Cup final scheduled for July 19.
"That's never been done before where you can literally sit on the pitch," On Location president Paul Caine told Sports Illustrated. "Now, to sit there, obviously, you're going to pay a premium versus if you were sitting in the third tier of the stadium for the finals or for any of the New York New Jersey matches, but that's what we do, we handle the premium seating, hospitality and experiences.
"We bring people closer than ever to the matches that they want to get into and follow."
Exact pricing for these elite seats has not been made public, though they are currently being offered as part of FIFA's "Pitchside Lounge" package, which requires a direct phone call to On Location to purchase. Those seated pitchside for the World Cup final will also be treated to an exclusive meet-and-greet with select players and a FIFA executive.
Steep Prices for World Cup Tickets, Unexpected Positive Twist for Fans
FIFA, and by extension On Location, have faced significant criticism lately over the steep pricing of 2026 World Cup tickets. When pressed on the dramatic price hike compared to past World Cups, Caine opted to highlight the overall accessibility of the tournament across all 104 matches, rather than focusing on individual high-profile games.
"There's a lot of headlines about the pricing of tickets, but when you're talking about 104 matches, there are tickets available for all price points," Caine said. "But if you are talking about some of the most in demand matches, those are really what are grabbing headlines, but in reality, throughout the 104 matches, there's tickets at all price points."
Caine, however, was candid in acknowledging that On Location's core mission is not affordability, but rather delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for fans prepared to spend more.
"Our role is not the general fan and the general lowest price ticket," he said. "Our role is to serve the customers who are looking for an elevated experience. Our tickets, by nature, are going to be more expensive, but it's the value you're getting from it."
That said, given the sky-high prices of the tournament's most coveted matches, On Location's hospitality packages are, in certain instances, actually more affordable than standard resale seats in the same or comparable sections.
For instance, Category 1 resale tickets for the group stage clash between the U.S. men's national team and Australia at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) on June 19 are fetching upwards of $3,000—with some listings reaching around $5,000. By contrast, On Location is offering nearby FIFA Pavilion packages for that same match at $2,650 per person, which includes not just a comparable view of the pitch, but also perks such as a "match day festive welcome," dedicated food and beverage stations, a commemorative gift, and more.
Category 1 resale tickets for the highly anticipated group stage showdown between Colombia and Portugal at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) on June 27 are going for well above $5,000, while FIFA Pavilion packages offering the same sightlines are priced at $5,000 per person and come with all the same amenities mentioned above.
"I would definitely come to us to look," Caine said. "If you're looking for tickets, you should check out what packages in the hospitality side are available."
On Location also intends to give fans the chance to enjoy matches alongside celebrities and former football legends, with the official announcement of notable names expected in early May.