FIFA Introduces Limited $60 Tickets for 2026 World Cup
FIFA announced on Tuesday its intention to sell $60 tickets for each of the 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This initiative follows previous fan concerns regarding the pricing structure for the tournament.
Supporter Entry Tier Details
These newly introduced tickets, termed "supporter entry tier tickets," are specifically designated for supporters of qualified national teams. They will be limited in quantity, with only 10% of the total ticket allocation provided to each qualified team made available at the $60 price point, including for the final match.
This allocation translates to approximately 0.8% of the stadium capacity for a single team's supporters per game, or 1.6% when considering both participating teams. FIFA has indicated that individual countries will be responsible for establishing criteria to determine which fans qualify for these reduced-price tickets, with a recommendation to prioritize "loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams."
Prior Pricing and Fan Response
Earlier ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have ranged from $140 for select initial round games to $2,735 for the U.S. opening match. Prices for knockout rounds are higher, with the cheapest final ticket listed at $4,185 and premium seats reaching $8,680. These figures represent an increase compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the most expensive final ticket was approximately $1,600.
FIFA has not released a comprehensive price list, instead adjusting prices across various sales windows without public announcements. The Football Supporters Europe, a group representing fans, previously described the ticket prices as "a betrayal to the most dedicated fans."
Following FIFA's latest announcement, the group acknowledged the initiative but stated it was insufficient. They noted that "at best a few hundred fans per match and team" would likely benefit from the $60 tickets, leaving the majority to pay higher rates.
Organizational Stance and Demand
FIFA has defended its pricing strategy by stating it adapts to market prices in North America. The organization also asserts its non-profit status, indicating that the majority of its World Cup revenues are directed towards "fueling the growth of men's, women's and youth football throughout the 211 FIFA Member Associations."
Despite ongoing discussions about pricing, FIFA reported receiving 20 million ticket requests during the current sales window, which is scheduled to close on January 13. The overall cost for fans attending the 2026 tournament is projected to be influenced by increased travel and accommodation expenses across the three host nations.