FIFA World Cup ticket release set for August

Tickets for the 2014 FIFA World Cup are to go on sale on August 20, the governing body announced on Friday.

The first batch of tickets will be released for sale at 12:00 CET (11:00 BST).

Approximately three million tickets for the showpiece event in Brazil are to be made available across three phases, the first of which takes place from August 20 until October 10 this year.

Prices for group stage matches in category three – the lowest priced tickets available to international fans – will start at $90, with the exception of the opening game of the tournament, which is priced at $220.

The least expensive tickets for Brazilian residents start at $15 for 47 of the 48 group-stage contests and are available to students, over-60s and members of the Bolsa Familia social welfare programme.

Category four tickets, the cheapest tickets for the competition, have been reserved solely for Brazilians.

The second sales phase runs from December 8 2013 until April 1 2014, with final sales taking place from April 15.

Tickets for the final, which is to be hosted at the Marcana in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, start at $440 for international fans.