FIFA has unexpectedly revised its ticketing strategy for the 2026 World Cup, releasing a new batch of cut-price tickets after intense backlash from fans worldwide over soaring costs.
The decision marks a rare public climbdown by football’s governing body, just weeks after its original pricing plans sparked anger and disappointment.
On Tuesday, FIFA announced that tickets priced at $60 will now be available for every match at the expanded tournament in North America.
These tickets will be distributed through national football federations whose teams qualify for the competition.
However, the federations will decide how the tickets reach supporters, with priority expected for loyal fans who have followed their teams home and away.
The newly introduced category, now branded the “Supporter Entry Tier,” is limited in number.
FIFA indicated that availability will likely run into the hundreds per match, rather than thousands.
Nevertheless, the move signals a shift in tone from an organisation that had earlier defended prices many supporters found unrealistic.
FIFA did not directly admit fault for its earlier approach. However, it stated that the revised pricing is “designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament.”
That explanation comes amid growing concern that ordinary supporters were being priced out of football’s biggest event.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic, featuring 48 teams for the first time, up from 32.
It will also be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is projected to generate at least $10 billion in revenue.
Despite those expectations, reaction to the initial ticket release was swift and hostile.
Fans were particularly upset that participating nations received no allocation in the lowest-priced category.
Instead, the cheapest tickets ranged between $120 and $265 for group-stage matches not involving host nations.
Moreover, supporters argued that the pricing structure contradicted FIFA’s long-standing message of inclusivity.
The policy shift followed consultations with member associations, including the English FA and the German Football Association. According to FIFA, those discussions helped shape the final decision.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “Fans of the national teams that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will benefit from a dedicated ticket pricing tier, which has been designed to make following their teams on football’s greatest stage more affordable.”
The spokesperson added: “The newly introduced Supporter Entry Tier will be available at the fixed price of USD 60 per ticket for each of the 104 matches, including the final.”
