World Cup organisers have unveiled a new low-cost ticket category following widespread criticism from fans over 2026 World Cup ticket prices.
On Tuesday, FIFA announced the introduction of a “Supporter Entry Tier” priced at $60 for all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the final. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The decision comes after supporter groups and fans accused FIFA of making the tournament inaccessible due to steep 2026 World Cup ticket prices.
According to FIFA, the $60 tickets will be reserved for supporters of qualified national teams and will form 10 percent of each national federation’s ticket allocation. The governing body said the category was created to support loyal travelling fans who wish to follow their teams across multiple host nations despite rising 2026 World Cup ticket prices.
Supporter groups say move is insufficient
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week described ticket costs as “extortionate” and “astronomical”, acknowledged the announcement but said FIFA’s response remains inadequate. The group has pointed out that 2026 World Cup ticket prices are nearly five times higher than those seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
FSE also called FIFA’s earlier pricing strategy a “monumental betrayal” of the World Cup’s tradition, arguing that the sport’s biggest event should remain accessible to ordinary fans rather than corporate audiences.
Refund relief and rising demand
FIFA also announced a concession for fans purchasing knockout-stage tickets. If a team is eliminated before the match for which tickets were bought, fans will receive refunds without being charged an administrative fee.
The governing body said the decision comes amid extraordinary global demand, revealing that nearly 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted. The first draw for tickets across all pricing categories is scheduled for January 13.
As debate around 2026 World Cup ticket prices continues, supporter groups are urging FIFA to further expand affordable ticket access to protect the tournament’s global and inclusive identity.
FAQs
Q: Why did FIFA introduce $60 tickets?
A: FIFA responded to backlash from fans who criticised 2026 World Cup ticket prices as unaffordable.
Q: Who can buy the $60 supporter tickets?
A: The tickets are reserved for fans of qualified national teams through national federations.
Q: Are 2026 World Cup ticket prices higher than Qatar 2022?
A: Yes, supporter groups say most 2026 World Cup ticket prices remain significantly higher.
Q: When does ticket sales begin?
A: The first draw for tickets across all categories will take place on January 13.
