FIFA has unveiled a new low-cost ticket category for the 2026 World Cup following criticism over the high prices for matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The global governing body announced on Tuesday the introduction of a “Supporter Entry Tier” fixed at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. The tickets, intended for fans of qualified teams, will constitute 10 per cent of each national federation’s allocation. FIFA said the initiative is “designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament.”
Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week described ticket prices as “extortionate” and “astronomical,” welcomed the gesture but said it did not go far enough. FSE noted that following a team from the first match to the final would still cost a minimum of $6,900, compared with ticket prices from $21 promised in FIFA’s 2018 bid document.
“For the moment, we are looking at the FIFA announcement as nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash,” FSE said, adding that only a few hundred fans per match and team are likely to benefit from the $60 tickets, leaving the vast majority paying much higher prices. The organisation also criticised the lack of provisions for supporters with disabilities and their companions.
Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, echoed these concerns, welcoming the lower-priced tickets but urging FIFA to do more to make the tournament accessible to genuine supporters.
FIFA clarified that national federations are required to allocate the discounted tickets to “loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.” It also said that if fans purchase tickets for knockout round games and their team is eliminated early, the administrative fee will be waived during refunds.
The announcement comes amid extraordinary global demand, with FIFA reporting 20 million ticket requests already submitted. The draw for tickets in the first round of sales will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
