FIFA have launched a new batch of budget-friendly World Cup tickets following criticism over high prices. The international governing body for football has assured a selection of tickets at a fixed price of £45 for every match at next summer’s tournament.
These will be distributed to the participating member associations, including the English FA, for sale to their members. This will constitute approximately ten per cent of the tickets allocated to each nation and, despite the numbers being relatively small, it signifies a notable shift in policy and a win for fans.
FIFA have engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including the relevant FAs, and now taken action in response to the backlash.
England supporters have been confronted with prices starting at £200 for the Group opener against Croatia and exceeding £4,000 for a seat at the World Cup final.
This marks a significant increase from the previous World Cup, with fans arguing that they couldn’t afford to travel to the United States.
FIFA suggested that ticket prices for major sporting and pop events in the US are higher and reflect market value.
However, fan groups and protests have sparked a re-evaluation, with FIFA writing to all Participating Member Associations to inform them of the change.
The letter reads: “With demand in the current sales phase achieving 20 million ticket requests, FIFA has confirmed that fans of the national teams that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026TM 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 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.
“The entry tier tickets will be allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with the selection and distribution process managed individually by the Participating Member Associations (PMAs).
“Each PMA will define its own eligibility criteria and application process. They are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.
“In total, 50% of each PMA allocation will fall within the most affordable range, namely Supporter Value Tier (40%) and the Supporter Entry Tier (10%). The remaining allocation is split evenly between the Supporter Standard Tier and the Supporter Premier Tier.
“In addition, fans applying through the PMA allocation whose teams do not advance to the knockout phase will have the administrative fee waived when refunds are processed for unsuccessful applications.”