FIFA announced plans on Tuesday to offer a limited quantity of $60 tickets for each of the 104 games at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This announcement follows public discussions regarding ticket prices for the upcoming tournament.
Supporter Entry Tier Tickets
The new "supporter entry tier tickets" are designated for fans of qualified national teams. These tickets are limited to 10% of the total allocation provided to each qualified team. Given each team receives 8% of the available tickets per game, approximately 0.8% of stadium capacity per game will be allocated at the $60 price point for each team's supporters, totaling 1.6% for both teams combined in a match. FIFA has requested that participating countries ensure these tickets are allocated to " loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams."
Broader Ticket Pricing
Standard ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup vary significantly. Initial round games begin at $140, while the U.S. opening match against Paraguay is priced up to $2,735. Knockout round tickets are higher, with the cheapest ticket for the final in New Jersey listed at $4,185 and the most expensive seats at $8,680. For comparison, the most expensive ticket for the 2022 final in Qatar was approximately $1,600.
FIFA has not published a comprehensive price list, instead adjusting prices across different sales windows. This practice was noted by fans after a recent lottery window opened, allowing applications until January 13.
Fan and Group Responses
The Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a group representing fans in the region, previously described initial ticket prices as "a betrayal to the most dedicated fans." On Tuesday, FSE acknowledged FIFA's recent announcement but stated that the measure was insufficient. The group noted that "at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the 60 USD prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before." This indicates that FSE views these prices as very high.
FIFA's Position and Demand
FIFA has stated its pricing policy reflects the North American market. The organization also maintains its status as a non-profit, asserting that the majority of its World Cup revenues are directed towards "fuel[ing] the growth of men's, women's and youth football throughout the 211 FIFA Member Associations."
Despite discussions over pricing, FIFA reported receiving 20 million ticket requests during the current sales window, with several weeks remaining before its closure.
Broader Cost Implications
Beyond ticket costs, fans attending the 2026 tournament may incur significant expenses related to travel and accommodation across the host countries. This suggests the 2026 World Cup could be among the most expensive tournaments for attendees.