FIFA has launched a new, lower-priced ticket option for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following criticism over the high cost of tickets.
The global football governing body announced a limited number of “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets priced at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. FIFA says the move is aimed at helping fans follow their national teams throughout the tournament.
These $60 tickets, roughly €51, will be reserved for supporters of qualified teams and will make up 10 percent of each national federation’s allocation.
Fans React: Too Little, Too Late?
Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which had previously described FIFA’s ticket prices as “extortionate” and “astronomical,” welcomed the announcement but argued it doesn’t go far enough.
“While FIFA’s partial U-turn shows awareness of fan concerns, the revision is insufficient,” FSE said. They added that a fan following their team from the first match to the final could still pay up to $6,900.
FSE also criticized FIFA for not consulting member associations properly and for failing to include provisions for supporters with disabilities or their companions.
The group described FIFA’s announcement as an “appeasement tactic”, noting that only a few hundred fans per match are likely to benefit, while most will still face high prices far exceeding previous World Cups.
Political Voices Join the Debate
Political figures have also weighed in. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed fan concerns, saying FIFA’s new ticket category does not go far enough to make the World Cup accessible to genuine supporters.
“I welcome FIFA’s announcement of some lower-priced tickets,” Starmer wrote on X. “But more needs to be done to ensure the World Cup doesn’t lose touch with the loyal fans who make the tournament so special.”
FIFA Responds
FIFA confirmed that the $60 tickets will be allocated to fans closely connected to their national teams. If a team is eliminated before knockout-stage matches for which fans have purchased tickets, administrative fees will be waived for refunds.
The governing body also highlighted the high global demand, noting that over 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted. The first-round ticket draw, including the new $60 category, is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13.
