FIFA Introduces $60 Entry-Tier Tickets for 2026 World Cup Amid Criticism
FIFA has created a new entry-tier ticket category for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with prices capped at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. This tier is derived from the teams' allocated 8% supporter ticket allotment, amounting to approximately 1.6% of all tickets or about 1,000 tickets per match, which are divided evenly between the supporters of the two teams playing.
Ticket distribution for this entry tier is managed by each member association, such as The Football Association (The FA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). FIFA has stated these tickets should be allocated to loyal fans with a connection to their national teams, although no specific allocation criteria have been mandated.
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and will feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Dynamic pricing applied to other ticket categories has driven many group-stage and knockout match tickets well above the $60 entry floor.
The current ticket sales phase opened on 11 December and will run through 13 January. Over 20 million ticket requests have been received, including 5 million within the first 24 hours.
The pricing policy has sparked criticism from various quarters. Football Supporters Europe has described it as a "monumental betrayal" and "extortionate." Additionally, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani condemned the prices. In contrast, FIFA defends its dynamic pricing system, emphasizing the benefits it provides to member associations.
