FIFA Announces Major Ticket Price Cuts for World Cup 2026 After Fan Backlash

In a dramatic reversal following weeks of mounting criticism, FIFA has announced significant reductions in ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The governing body of world football confirmed on Tuesday that a new “Supporter Entry Tier” will make tickets available for as little as $60 (£45), including seats for the final, a sharp contrast to the previously announced prices that soared above $4,000 (£3,130).

Background to the Backlash

The controversy erupted earlier this month when details of the original pricing structure were shared with national federations. Fans discovered that attending every match from the group stage through to the final could cost upwards of £5,000 ($6,370), excluding travel and accommodation. Supporters’ groups, including Football Supporters Europe (FSE), branded the prices “extortionate” and accused FIFA of betraying loyal fans.

The New Ticketing Plan

FIFA’s revised plan introduces a Supporter Entry Tier, offering $60 tickets for all 104 matches, including the final. These tickets will be distributed through national federations and reserved for loyal fans who have consistently followed their teams at home and abroad. The allocation will represent 10 per cent of each federation’s ticket quota, meaning availability will be limited to hundreds rather than thousands per match.

FIFA stated the move was “designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament.” Officials emphasised that the decision was made after consultations with federations and fan groups, acknowledging the widespread anger over affordability.

Financial and Structural Context

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32. FIFA projects revenues of at least $10 billion from the tournament, driven by broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales. The initial pricing model was seen as an attempt to maximise revenue, but the backlash forced FIFA into what many observers are calling a rare climbdown.

Reaction from Fans and Federations

While the announcement has been welcomed as a step toward affordability, critics argue that the limited number of discounted tickets will not fully address concerns. “It’s a positive gesture, but the majority of fans will still face astronomical costs,” said one spokesperson for FSE.

National federations now face the challenge of deciding how to fairly distribute the reduced-price tickets among their supporters. The English Football Association, among others, has indicated it will prioritise fans with a history of attending matches both domestically and internationally.

Looking Ahead

The World Cup 2026 promises to be the largest and most commercially ambitious tournament in FIFA’s history. Yet the ticketing controversy highlights the tension between football’s global governing body and its grassroots supporters. Whether the new pricing tier will be enough to restore trust remains to be seen, but for now, FIFA has signalled that it is listening to fans — at least partially.

Key Takeaway: FIFA has introduced $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets for the 2026 World Cup after widespread backlash over unaffordable prices. While welcomed by fans, the limited availability means affordability concerns remain unresolved.