STWF Sports | Dec. 16, 2025 – FIFA has moved to quell growing unrest among supporters by introducing a new batch of “more affordable tickets” for the 2026 World Cup, responding to intense criticism over the initial pricing structure that many fans branded “extortionate.” Announced Tuesday, the governing body’s revised model promises a limited number of $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches — including the final — under a newly created “Supporter Entry Tier.”

The tickets will be allocated exclusively to supporters of nations that have already qualified for next summer’s expanded tournament, with each participating member association (PMA), such as the English FA and Scottish FA, tasked with distributing them to their own members. But while the price drop marks an important concession, the impact may be modest. FIFA confirmed that just 10 per cent of each nation’s ticket allocation will fall under this cut-price tier, leaving thousands of fans still facing steep costs as they attempt to follow their country across North America.

Still, the introduction of a cheaper tier is likely to be welcomed by supporters after widespread frustration erupted when the original pricing was revealed last week. The sharpest criticism came from England and Scotland supporters, many of whom condemned the soaring costs that could see an individual fan pay as much as £12,000 across the tournament depending on seat categories. Even England Supporters’ Travel Club members would have faced eye-watering prices for a potential final, ranging from $4,185 (£3,120) to $8,680 (£6,471).

FIFA Responds to Outcry

A lengthy statement from FIFA accompanied the announcement, stressing the organization had listened to global concerns amid what it described as unprecedented demand. “With demand in the current sales phase achieving 20 million ticket requests,” FIFA wrote, “fans of national teams that have qualified… will benefit from a dedicated ticket pricing tier designed to make following their teams more affordable.”

Under the new structure, 50 per cent of each PMA’s allocation will fall within the two lowest-priced categories: the “Supporter Value Tier” (40 per cent) and the new $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” (10 per cent). The remaining half will be split between “Supporter Standard” and “Supporter Premier” tiers.

FIFA stressed that PMAs must direct the cheapest tickets to “loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.” In a further adjustment, supporters who purchase tickets through their national associations but whose teams fail to advance to the knockout stages will have administrative fees waived when refunds are processed.

Fan Groups Say Prices Still Too High

Despite the gesture, pressure groups remain cautious. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) had urged FIFA to pause ticket sales entirely, accusing the governing body of pricing out the sport’s most dedicated followers. The Football Supporters’ Association, representing England fans, went even further, calling the initial prices a “slap in the face.”

While FIFA’s update signals an effort to ease concerns, the broader complaint remains: most tickets are dramatically more expensive than previous tournaments. For context, tickets for World Cup 2026 had been set at seven times higher than those for Qatar 2022, with no concessions for children or disabled fans. Moreover, group-stage prices were adjusted based on perceived team popularity rather than standardized by match phase — a significant departure from past editions.

A FIFA official acknowledged the controversy but defended the approach. “Demand for tickets has been off the scale — more than 20 million requests so far,” the official said. “We’ve listened to feedback, and making $60 tickets available to more fans was unanimously agreed.”

The official also noted the unique economics of holding the tournament in the United States, where secondary ticket resales are common and market-driven. “It’s a unique tournament and a unique market in the USA,” the spokesperson added. “No organization does more to support the development of the game… All 211 associations will benefit from a commercially successful World Cup.”

A Historic Tournament on the Horizon

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 nations and spanning three host countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The opening match between South Africa and co-host Mexico kicks off June 11, with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

England’s campaign begins June 17 against Croatia, followed by Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27. Scotland opens June 14 against Haiti before facing Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24.

The pricing debate may continue, but fans now know at least one thing: World Cup access will not be entirely reserved for the wealthy — though only a fortunate few will secure the $60 golden tickets.