United States: FIFA has introduced a limited number of lower-priced tickets for the 2026 World Cup in response to mounting criticism from fans and supporters’ organisations over what they described as ‘extortionate’ prices.
The new tickets, priced at $60 (£45), will be available for a select group of ‘loyal fans’ from countries that have qualified for the tournament, which will be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The tickets fall under the newly created ‘supporter entry tier’ and will account for 10 percent of each participating nation’s allocation.
A FIFA official close to discussions said the decision followed feedback from stakeholders and was agreed unanimously. The officials added that demand for tickets has already exceeded 20 million requests in the latest sales phase.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the move but urged FIFA to go further, warning that the World Cup risks losing touch with genuine supporters if prices remain too high. Keir Starmer noted that fans who traditionally save to follow their teams could still be priced out of the tournament.
Under the revised structure, 50 percent of each participating member association’s allocation will fall within FIFA’s most affordable categories, including the supporter value tier (40 percent) and the new entry tier (10 percent). The remaining tickets will be split evenly between standard and premier tiers.
For England and Scotland, the changes mean around 400 tickets per group match will be available at the $60 (£45) price point. However, Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) chair Tom Greatrex dismissed the announcement as a ‘hollow gesture,’ arguing that the vast majority of travelling supporters will still be unable to afford attendance.
Supporters’ groups have highlighted that under the previous pricing model, following England to the final could have cost more than $6,704 (£5,000). By comparison, the cheapest tickets for the 2026 final are priced at $4,182 (£3,119), seven times higher than equivalent tickets at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There are also no concessions for children or supporters with disabilities, an issue campaigners say FIFA has yet to address.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) acknowledged FIFA’s apparent recognition of the backlash but said the revisions do not go far enough. The group called for meaningful dialogue, particularly on accessibility and disability pricing.
Despite the criticism, English Football Association insiders view the move as a step forward. FA officials are now working to determine eligibility criteria and distribution methods to ensure the tickets reach the most loyal supporters, with further details expected shortly.
While fan groups concede that pressure has led to some change, many argue that the atmosphere and inclusivity of the World Cup remain at risk unless broader pricing reforms are introduced.
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