FIFA Slashes Ticket Prices After Blowback From Fans

Some fans will save some serious money by waiting to purchase tickets for the 2026 World Cup. 

FIFA has announced it will offer $60 tickets to some fans following public outcry over prices. Matches involving the world’s top teams were selling for well over $4,000, preventing most fans from attending. While limited, the lower-cost tickets will allow some average fans to attend the tournament in North America this summer.

FIFA did not confirm the number of $60 tickets that will be made available for matches.

Supporter Entry Tier

The $60 tickets will be known as the “supporter entry tier,” as they are meant for loyal supporters from around the world. The hope is that their presence will help create a better game atmosphere, as well as subdue the blowback from the lack of affordable tickets.

While ticket sales have not been an issue for the largest World Cup yet, the majority of international fans are unable to afford attending. The tournament’s location means diehard fans in Europe and South America will both need to make long travels, where they will pay thousands for flights, hotel stays, and dining during their visit. Those costs don’t include the tickets, meaning some fans could easily spend $10,000 on the trip.

FIFA Expected to Limit Discounted Tickets

While FIFA hyped the new ticket prices, they did not provide details on their availability. The group is expected to offer just enough to calm outraged fans, with some predicting that fewer than 1,000. This will allow some fans access to he historic tournament, but will it be enough?

The blowback over ticket prices has been extreme, with fans across the globe decrying FIFA as dishonest and greedy. Limiting the support entry tier tickets may not change that, and could lead to attendance problems in future tournaments.

PR Campaign for 2026 Off to Tough Start

While the largest World Cup field ever promises plenty of excitement, the public relations campaign has gotten off to a rough start.

The first issue is the political climate in the US, which makes travel for international visitors far more risky. Instead of pushing back against this, FIFA awarded the US President the Peace Prize, further angering fans across the globe.

The sky-high ticket prices have further enflamed that anger. Fans felt FIFA had promised to make affordable tickets available, but instead chose to sell them off to the highest bidders. This is giving fans even less reason to go, despite their incredible passion.