FIFA Cuts World Cup Ticket Prices After Fan Backlash
$60 tickets introduced for loyal supporters
FIFA has dramatically reduced the price of a limited number of World Cup tickets following a global backlash, with some fans now able to attend matches — including the final — for just $60 instead of paying up to $4,185.
The governing body confirmed that $60 tickets will be available for every match at the 2026 World Cup in North America through a new “Supporter Entry Tier.” These tickets will be distributed to national football federations, who will decide how to allocate them to loyal fans who regularly follow their teams home and away.
Limited supply, symbolic change
The number of discounted tickets is expected to be limited, likely in the hundreds rather than thousands for each match. FIFA confirmed that 10% of the tickets allocated to national associations — which themselves receive 8% of total tickets per game — will fall into the $60 category.
For the final, around 450 of the roughly 4,500 tickets allocated to competing nations will be available at the reduced price.
While FIFA did not explicitly acknowledge the backlash as the reason for the shift, it said the new pricing is “designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament.”
Anger over pricing plans
The move follows widespread criticism of FIFA’s original ticketing strategy, which excluded participating teams’ fans from the cheapest price category. Group-stage tickets had been priced between $120 and $265 for non-host matches, while supporters following their teams all the way to the final faced costs exceeding $7,000.
The controversy was heightened by the introduction of dynamic pricing and additional resale fees, features common in U.S. entertainment but unfamiliar — and unpopular — with football supporters globally.
Reaction remains mixed
Fan group Football Supporters Europe welcomed the announcement but said it did not go far enough, citing the absence of a clear pricing structure for disabled fans and companion tickets. The organization described the changes as “an appeasement tactic” and called for meaningful dialogue with supporters.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also urged FIFA to go further, warning that the World Cup risks losing touch with genuine fans if affordability is not addressed.
FIFA defends its model
FIFA stressed that revenue generated from the tournament is reinvested into football development across its 211 member associations. It also confirmed that administrative fees will be waived on ticket refunds after the final.
More than 20 million ticket requests have been submitted since the latest sales phase opened, with successful applicants to be notified in February 2026.
