FIFA Reduces World Cup Ticket Prices Following Fan Backlash
FIFA officials announced a new, lower-priced ticket category on Tuesday in response to widespread criticism over the pricing for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
In a statement, FIFA introduced the “Supporter Entry Tier,” which offers a limited number of tickets at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final.
This initiative aims to assist fans traveling with their national teams throughout the tournament.
FIFA clarified that the $60 tickets, equivalent to €51, will be reserved for supporters of qualified teams and will account for 10% of each national federation’s allocation.
Fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which previously condemned the ticket prices as “extortionate” and “astronomical,” responded to FIFA’s announcement by stating that the changes do not go far enough.
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“While we appreciate FIFA’s apparent acknowledgment of the concerns raised, these revisions are insufficient,” FSE said.
Last week, FSE pointed out that ticket prices were nearly five times higher than those for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, calling FIFA’s pricing strategy for 2026 a “monumental betrayal of World Cup tradition.”
They also noted that the cost for a supporter following their team from the first match to the final would be at least $6,900, contrasting starkly with promises made in a 2018 bid document that mentioned tickets priced as low as $21.
On Tuesday, FSE emphasized that FIFA’s partial reversal highlighted flaws in the price-setting process for the upcoming tournament.
“This announcement appears to be an appeasement tactic in light of global backlash,” they stated.
They further criticized the limited allocation of $60 tickets, predicting that only a few hundred fans per match would benefit, while the majority would still face exorbitant prices, unprecedented in previous tournaments.
The organization also pointed out the lack of provisions for fans with disabilities and their companions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiments of FSE, suggesting that FIFA should take further steps to enhance affordability.
He wrote on X, “I welcome FIFA’s announcement of lower-priced tickets, but as someone who used to save up for England tickets, I encourage FIFA to do more to keep the World Cup connected to genuine supporters who make the game special.”
In their announcement, FIFA urged national federations to allocate the $60 tickets specifically to loyal fans closely connected to their teams.
Additionally, they stated that fans who purchase tickets for knockout rounds but find their teams eliminated at an earlier stage will have their administrative fees waived during the refund process.
FIFA highlighted that the announcement comes amid “extraordinary global demand for tickets,” with 20 million requests already submitted. The draw for all ticket prices in the first round of sales is scheduled for January 13.
