FIFA 2026 World Cup Ticket Pricing Sparks Concerns Among England Supporters
FIFA has revealed its ticket pricing scheme for the 2026 World Cup, which implies a minimum total cost of around £5,000 for England supporters wishing to attend all rounds of the tournament. Tickets in category 2 could push total expenses to approximately £8,600, while category 1 could rise to about £12,400. Group-stage tickets (category 3) are cited at around £500, with knockout stage tickets bought in advance potentially totaling about £4,500, contributing to an overall cost exceeding £5,000.
FIFA allocates 8% of each stadium's tickets to the participating nation’s fan-membership schemes, shaping access for supporters across the qualifying stages and finals. However, this pricing scheme risks deterring fans from travelling, especially supporters from smaller nations who may not purchase the full 8% package.
Additionally, FIFA’s refund policy allows ticket holders 60 calendar days to receive refunds after their team's elimination, minus a $10 administrative fee; FIFA can also earn interest on funds held before refunds are issued.
In response to these pricing concerns, the Football Association has been urged to lobby FIFA for a reconsideration of the ticketing approach and to contemplate withdrawing cooperation under the current regime. Proposals include inviting FIFA president Gianni Infantino to Wembley Stadium to hear fans’ views directly.
Looking ahead, organizers of Euro 2028 have promised improved accessibility for fans, while the 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
