FIFA released affordable tickets to calm critics, but fans remain unsatisfied.
FIFA announced a limited number of $60 tickets for all 104 matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This fixed-rate option will apply to every game, including the tournament’s climactic final. FIFA claims this helps fans. Only fans of qualifying teams can get them, and it’s just 10% of the seats.
Criticism Persists Despite Price Reduction
Football Supporters Europe, an advocacy organization that previously described the original World Cup ticket pricing as “highway robbery,” has dismissed the announcement as inadequate. The group acknowledged FIFA’s apparent recognition of public backlash but maintains the adjustments don’t resolve core issues.
FSE dismissed the update as damage control, arguing it proves the original prices were wrong. They noted that only a few hundred fans per match benefit, leaving most paying much more than in the past. British PM Keir Starmer said the discount is good, but FIFA needs to do more for regular fans.
Additional Concerns Beyond Pricing
Beyond economicality questions, FSE raised availability issues, pointing to insufficient arrangements for disabled fans and their companions. The group also questioned whether the limited availability truly serves football’s passionate follower base.
FIFA stressed that national federations must ensure these budget tickets go to their most loyal and genuine fans. The organization added that fans purchasing knockout round tickets will receive administrative-free refunds if their team exits early.
Massive Demand Already Recorded
The ticket controversy unfolds against a backdrop of extraordinary interest, with approximately 20 million purchase requests already submitted. FIFA plans to conduct a lottery for various price categories during the first sales phase on January 13.
The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams across three nations. FIFA says this scale influenced prices, but critics argue they prioritized profit over fans.
