FIFA Rolls Out $60 World Cup Tickets After Fierce Fan Backlash

FIFA has announced a new cut-price ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, setting a fixed $60 entry point after weeks of backlash over soaring prices for the expanded tournament in North America.

The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that the new “Supporter Entry Tier” will apply to all 104 matches, from the group stage to the final, and will be made available exclusively through national football federations.

The decision arrives amid mounting pressure from fans who say the World Cup is drifting further away from its traditional supporter base.

A Limited Offer for Loyal Fans

According to FIFA, the $60 tickets will account for 10 percent of each qualified nation’s ticket allocation. These seats are intended for fans who follow their teams across borders and venues, with federations asked to prioritise supporters closely linked to the national setup.

FIFA described the category as a measure to “further support travelling fans” in a tournament spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It also confirmed that fans purchasing knockout-stage tickets will receive fee waivers on refunds if their team exits earlier than expected.

Demand, FIFA noted, has already surged past 20 million ticket requests, underlining the scale of interest despite pricing concerns.

The response from supporters was swift and sceptical. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week branded the original pricing model “extortionate”, said the revision barely scratches the surface.

In a statement, FSE argued that only a small fraction of fans would realistically benefit from the cheaper tier. Based on published allocations, the group estimates that only a few hundred supporters per team, per match, would secure access to the $60 seats.

The organisation also pointed to earlier promises made during the 2018 bid process, where ticket prices were projected to start as low as $21. Those figures now feel distant, particularly when compared to Qatar 2022, where entry costs were significantly lower.

Broader Concerns Over Access And Inclusion

FSE also criticised FIFA for failing to address accessibility issues, including the lack of clear provisions for supporters with disabilities and their companions. The group described the late adjustment as an appeasement move driven by negative global reaction rather than structured consultation.

“This shows the policy was rushed and poorly thought out,” the statement said, adding that member associations were not meaningfully involved in shaping the pricing framework.

FIFA has pushed back on that narrative, insisting the announcement reflects ongoing engagement with stakeholders as ticketing phases roll out.

The first official ticket draw, covering all price categories, is scheduled for January 13. For now, the $60 seats offer a narrow opening for fans feeling priced out, but the wider debate over affordability is far from settled.