FIFA unveils lower-cost tickets for 2026 World Cup after backlash
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- New “Supporter Entry Category” follows backlash over rising World Cup prices.
- Fans say the move falls short on affordability and accessibility.
FIFA has announced the introduction of a new low-cost ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, responding to mounting criticism from fans over soaring prices and fears that the tournament is becoming inaccessible to ordinary supporters.
New supporter category
In a statement, FIFA said the “Supporter Entry Category” will be priced at $60 per match, including the final. The category will be reserved for supporters of qualified national teams and will account for 10 percent of each nation’s ticket allocation.
FIFA said the tickets will be distributed through national football associations, with eligibility limited to fans registered as supporters of the respective teams. The governing body described the move as an effort to “protect the presence of genuine supporters in stadiums” amid unprecedented demand.
Record demand for tickets
The announcement comes as interest in the expanded 2026 tournament reaches historic levels. FIFA said around 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted worldwide, far exceeding supply.
The first ticket draw, covering all categories, is scheduled for January 13, 2026, with further sales phases to follow. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, the largest edition in the tournament’s history.
Fans voice continued concerns
Despite welcoming the lower-priced option, fans’ groups warned that the measure does not fully address wider concerns. Supporters said that many standard ticket categories remain prohibitively expensive, particularly for fans hoping to attend multiple matches or travel across three host countries.
Read more: OpenAI refuses to release full ChatGPT conversation in murder case
They also highlighted ongoing issues related to accessibility for disabled supporters, including limited seating options and unclear accommodation policies, as well as the overall cost of travel, lodging, and visas.
Critics argue that without broader pricing reforms, the World Cup risks losing its traditional fan base, even as FIFA posts record commercial revenues and sponsorship deals linked to the expanded tournament format.
