ZURICH — FIFA announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the creation of a new "Supporter Entry Tier" ticket category priced at a fixed $60 for all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup, including the final, in response to widespread criticism of high ticket prices for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The discounted tickets are exclusively reserved for loyal supporters of qualified national teams and represent a small portion of the overall allocation.
The new tier will account for 10% of the 8% of tickets allocated to each Participating Member Association (PMA)—national football federations—for matches involving their teams, equating to roughly 0.8% of total stadium capacity per team, or about 1,000 tickets per match split between the two competing sides in larger venues. FIFA has requested that PMAs prioritize distribution to "loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams," with each federation managing its own eligibility and application process.
Additionally, FIFA stated that fans purchasing tickets through PMA programs for knockout stages whose teams are eliminated early will have administrative fees waived on refunds. The announcement highlighted "extraordinary global demand," with over 20 million ticket requests submitted since the current Random Selection Draw sales phase opened on December 11, 2025.
The move comes after intense backlash from supporter groups, particularly in Europe, following the revelation of elevated prices in the third sales phase. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) had described the pricing as "extortionate" and "astronomical," estimating that following a team from the group stage to the final could cost a minimum of $6,900—nearly five times higher than equivalent costs at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. FSE also referenced FIFA's 2018 bid document promise of tickets starting at $21.
While welcoming the new tier as evidence that "FIFA’s ticketing policy is not set in stone," FSE criticized it as insufficient, noting the limited quantity and lack of provisions for disabled fans or companion tickets. The group called for further revisions and proper consultation.
The 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches from June 11 to July 19, adopts variable pricing common in North American events, leading to group-stage tickets ranging from $140 to $265 for non-host matches and up to $4,185 for the cheapest final seats before this adjustment. Premium final tickets exceed $8,000 in some categories.
Criticism escalated when the latest sales phase showed supporter tickets priced identically to general public ones, without access to the lowest categories. National federations, including those from England and Tunisia, expressed surprise and concern over lack of consultation on pricing.
The Random Selection Draw phase, allowing applications for specific matches, remains open until January 13, 2026, with successful applicants notified in February. FIFA emphasized reinvesting revenues into global football development, expecting over 90% of its 2023-2026 cycle budget to support member associations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the $60 tier but urged more affordability to keep the tournament accessible to genuine supporters. Fan organizations like England's Football Supporters' Association called it a "hollow gesture" or "cynical attempt to deflect attention."
This partial concession reflects FIFA's effort to balance record revenue projections—potentially exceeding $10 billion—with maintaining fan engagement in an event expected to shatter attendance records. The tournament's scale and North American hosting have driven dynamic pricing, but global soccer fans accustomed to lower costs have pushed back strongly.
As sales continue, the limited nature of the $60 tickets—potentially just hundreds per team per match—means most dedicated traveling supporters will still face high costs, including travel across vast distances in North America. FIFA's adjustments signal responsiveness to pressure but highlight ongoing tensions over commercialization versus accessibility in the world's most popular sport.
