FIFA is facing intense backlash from global football supporters after the release of ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Supporter groups across Europe and elsewhere have blasted the cost of match tickets, especially for the later stages of the tournament, as exorbitant and out of reach for many loyal fans. The outrage comes weeks after national federations published pricing details for games in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which are jointly hosting the tournament.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), an organisation representing fans on the continent, criticised the ticket structure as a betrayal of tradition and supporter culture. Fans say the steep prices risk locking out the very people who help create the electric atmosphere that defines World Cup football.
How Much Are 2026 World Cup Tickets?
Published figures show that match prices rise sharply as the tournament progresses. For the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the cheapest available ticket is reported at around $4,185. Fans say this figure is shockingly high — more than five times what many supporters paid at the previous World Cup.
Supporter groups estimate that a fan wishing to follow their national team throughout the tournament — from opening matches to the final — could pay close to $6,900 for tickets alone. That total does not include travel, accommodation, food or other expenses associated with attending games across three host countries.
Supporters Compare 2026 with EURO 2024
Critics point to recent ticket pricing policies at other major tournaments for contrast. For example, at UEFA EURO 2024, fans could secure tickets that allowed them to follow their team from the group stage through to the final for a fraction of the cost — sometimes as low as €375.
Many supporters argue that World Cup pricing should be designed to keep football accessible to fans from all backgrounds, not just those with deep pockets. They say the current structure undermines decades of supporter culture and excludes young and low-income fans.
Voices from the Pitchside: Supporter Reactions
Fans responding online used strong language to express their anger. One fan group described the ticket costs as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal” of loyal supporters who have supported their teams year after year.
Another online comment sarcastically noted that travel and ticket costs might now exceed what many supporters can afford, saying: “You pay more to watch a match than to feed your family this month.”
Some critics also called on FIFA to pause current ticket sales and engage in genuine consultation with supporter bodies and national associations to make the tournament more affordable.
FSE Calls for Action: Rethink PMA Ticket Sale
Football Supporters Europe urged FIFA to halt Participant Member Association (PMA) ticket sales until a review of pricing takes place. The group said ticket categories and distribution should reflect the tradition, universality and cultural importance of the event rather than pure commercial interests.
FSE has asked for negotiations between FIFA and fan representatives, so pricing can be adjusted in a way that honours the legacy of the World Cup and respects global supporter communities.
Affordability & Accessibility at the Heart of Debate
The debate over 2026 ticket prices highlights a larger issue in global football — balancing commercial revenue with fan access. As the sport becomes more financially driven, many supporters worry that ordinary fans are being priced out of the stadium experience.
Whether FIFA will revise its pricing strategy remains uncertain. But the level of public criticism and organised supporter pushback shows fans are ready to demand change — and they want their voices heard before the next World Cup kicks off.