Football fans across the globe are frustrated with ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup 2026. Many are calling the costs completely unaffordable.
European Fan Group Calls for Immediate Sales Freeze
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has urged FIFA to stop selling national team match tickets immediately. The organization represents fans across the continent. They argue that prices are beyond the reach of ordinary supporters.
According to FSE, following a national team to the final would cost at least $6,900 in tickets alone. That figure is nearly five times higher than the previous World Cup.
Supporters must also pay the full amount upfront in early 2026. This payment only secures their place in the queue for tickets.
Family Trip to the World Cup Could Cost $30,000
Ronan Evain, head of FSE, highlighted the financial burden facing football families.
“A lot of people were already hesitant about traveling to the US,” Evain said. “Now they face a massive financial risk. For a family of four, ticket costs alone would run around $30,000. The vast majority of football fans simply cannot afford that, even in Europe.”
Loyal Fans Left Behind as FIFA Introduces Dynamic Pricing
FIFA’s ticketing strategy has drawn sharp criticism. The cheapest seats will not go to dedicated supporters who travel with their teams.
Instead, FIFA plans to offer those seats to the general public. Prices will change based on demand through dynamic pricing. FSE has called this approach a betrayal of true football fans.
Different Prices for Group Stage Matches Based on Appeal
For the first time in World Cup history, group stage matches will not have uniform pricing. FIFA will charge different amounts based on how attractive each match is expected to be.
Fans of different nations could pay vastly different prices for identical seats. There is also little transparency about how FIFA determines these prices.
FSE Urges FIFA to Reconsider
Evain is calling on FIFA to rethink its approach before continuing ticket sales.
“They need to pause and consult with member federations and fans,” he said. “If they looked at what people can actually pay, they would realize these prices need to come down.”
