World Cup 2026 ticket backlash forces Fifa into damage control
Growing anger over ticket prices
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Fifa has come under increasing pressure from football supporter organisations who argue that following a national team through the tournament has become unaffordable for many fans.
Supporters’ groups say the pricing structure risks turning the expanded 48 team tournament into an event dominated by corporate buyers and wealthy spectators rather than traditional fans.
Fifa introduces a new ticket category
According to Agence France Presse (AFP), Fifa announced on Tuesday the creation of a new ticket category called Supporter Entry Plus. The organisation said the tickets will be sold at 60 US dollars each and will be available for all 104 matches of the tournament, including the final.
The World Cup will be staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada during the summer of 2026, marking the first time the competition is shared by three host nations.
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In a statement cited by AFP, Fifa said the initiative is intended to support fans who want to follow their national team throughout the competition.
Supporters groups remain critical
The announcement follows sharp criticism from Football Supporters Europe. Last week, the group accused Fifa of imposing what it described as astronomical prices on loyal fans.
According to Football Supporters Europe, which said it reviewed pricing information released gradually and without public notice, attending every match involving one team from the group stage to the final could cost at least 6,900 dollars. The organisation noted that this figure is nearly five times higher than comparable costs during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Strong demand despite controversy
Despite the backlash, Fifa points to sustained global demand. According to figures cited by AFP, the organisation has already received around 20 million ticket requests during the current sales phase, which is based on a random draw system.
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The strong interest suggests that while pricing remains a sensitive issue, commercial demand for the 2026 tournament shows no sign of slowing. Fifa has not indicated whether additional pricing changes will be introduced.
Sources: Agence France Presse (AFP)
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