FIFA has announced a new affordable ticket category for the 2026 World Cup after widespread criticism. The global governing body introduced a “Supporter Entry Tier” priced at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final.
This decision comes as fans and supporter groups voiced strong opposition to the initially high ticket prices.
Details of the $60 Ticket Category
The $60 tickets are reserved for fans of qualified national teams and will constitute 10% of each federation’s allocation.
FIFA stated that the tier is designed to help traveling supporters follow their teams across the tournament. Fans purchasing knockout round tickets who see their team eliminated early will have administrative fees waived during refunds.
FIFA emphasized that national federations should allocate these discounted tickets to loyal fans closely connected to their teams.
Fan Reactions and Criticism
Despite the announcement, fan organizations argued the move does not go far enough. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) criticized the plan, calling it an “appeasement” rather than a solution.
They highlighted that only a few hundred supporters per match would benefit from the $60 price, while the majority still face extremely high costs.
FSE also condemned the lack of provisions for fans with disabilities or their companions. The organization noted that following a team from the group stage to the final could still cost upwards of $6,900.
Global Leaders Weigh In
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement but urged FIFA to do more. He stressed the importance of affordable tickets to ensure the World Cup remains accessible to genuine supporters. Starmer highlighted that lower ticket prices are crucial for fans who save for years to attend games.
FIFA’s Perspective
FIFA confirmed that demand for tickets has been extraordinary, with 20 million requests already submitted. The first-round ticket draw for all price categories is scheduled for January 13, 2026. The governing body maintained that the $60 tickets aim to balance fan access with global demand.
FIFA stated that the Supporter Entry Tier is intended to support loyal fans while ensuring fairness in ticket distribution.
Conclusion
FIFA’s $60 ticket initiative responds to widespread backlash over the 2026 World Cup pricing. Although welcomed as a step toward affordability, many fans and leaders argue more action is needed. The measure highlights ongoing tensions between global demand, fan accessibility, and the cost of attending major tournaments.
