FIFA introduces limited $60 tickets after price backlash
FIFA has announced to offer a limited number of $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets for all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup after facing widespread fan outrage over rising ticket prices.
The move is aimed at easing criticism that the tournament was becoming unaffordable for average supporters.
FIFA’s new tier has been introduced for fans of the national teams qualified for next summer’s expanded World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Pakistan Women’s Team Joins FIFA Series
The media reported that these tickets would make up 10 percent of each country’s official allocation, which means only a small fraction of total stadium capacity would be available at the discounted price.
The governing body said the $60 tickets would be available for every game, which included \the final. Federations will be responsible for deciding eligibility and allocating them to loyal supporters. FIFA also announced to waive administrative fees on refunds for fans whose teams do not reach the knockout stages.
The announcement follows a global backlash over higher ticket prices that went up far above previous tournaments. And, some final-day tickets originally priced at more than $4,000 and higher tiers were reaching nearly $8,700.
Supporter groups, politicians and fans called the original pricing “extortionate” and unfair to dedicated followers of the sport.
Despite the concession, critics including Football Supporters Europe said the offering was still too limited and added that it would not address broader concerns about affordability, accessibility and the overall ticketing strategy.
They have also pointed out that even with the new tier, the number of $60 tickets per game could be in the low hundreds, not the thousands many fans had hoped for.
The 2026 tournament’s ticketing has been contentious partly due to the introduction of dynamic pricing for some matches.
The absence of the lowest-priced categories for many supporters’ allocations, marked a significant shift from past World Cups. Traditionally, the final stages of the tournament had offered more accessible pricing. But the North American hosts and FIFA’s pricing strategy led to fierce pushback.
FIFA said demand remains high as more than 20 million ticket applications were received in the current sales phase despite pricing debates continue. The governing body said that it operated as a non-profit and that revenue from ticket sales funds global football development through its 211 member associations.