FIFA slashes 2026 World Cup ticket prices after criticism
What's the story
In response to a global outcry, FIFA has announced a reduction in the price of certain 2026 World Cup tickets. The move comes as part of an effort to make the tournament more accessible for fans who have been loyal to their national teams over the years. The cheapest tickets will now be available at $60 for every match in North America, significantly lower than the previously announced prices, which surged to $4,185 for the final.
Distribution plan
National federations to distribute discounted tickets
FIFA has said that the $60 tickets will be allocated to national federations of the teams participating in the tournament. These federations will then decide how to distribute these tickets among their most loyal fans. However, it is expected that only a few hundred such discounted tickets would be available for each match, under FIFA's new "Supporter Entry Tier" price category.
Strategy shift
FIFA's response to global backlash
FIFA has not given a detailed explanation for its sudden change in strategy, but the organization said that the lower prices are "designed to further support traveling fans following their national teams across the tournament." The decision comes after widespread criticism from fans worldwide over FIFA's initial ticketing plans, which did not include any tickets in the lowest-priced category for participating teams.
Mixed reactions
Fan organizations welcome FIFA's decision
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a fan organization, has welcomed FIFA's decision but said "the revisions do not go far enough to reconcile." The FSE also highlighted the lack of a pricing structure for disabled fans. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also welcomed FIFA's announcement and asked the organization to do more to make tickets affordable for genuine supporters.
Plans
FIFA's commitment to reinvest revenue
According to an ESPN report, A FIFA official said that the organization had "listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do." The body also stressed that it "reinvests the revenue it generates from the FIFA World Cup to fuel the growth of men's, women's and youth football throughout the 211 FIFA Member Associations."
Twitter Post
FIFA World Cup 2026 groups
The stage is set. Who triumphs? 🏆@aramco | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/21qBVC6KlE
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 5, 2025