The FIFA announced a significant reduction in ticket costs for the 2026 World Cup, following an avalanche of criticism from fans over excessive prices. Going forward, some tickets can be purchased for just $60, a measure designed to support the most loyal followers of qualified national teams.
The change represents a rare reversal by the organization led by Gianni Infantino, FIFA president. The decision comes after weeks of pressure from fan communities worldwide.
Why Did FIFA Lower Prices?
The decision was made following global backlash against the high ticket costs revealed weeks earlier. Originally, final match tickets reached prices close to $4,185, unprecedented in the tournament’s history.
According to FIFA, the new $60 tickets will be offered under a category called “basic seating,” available especially for fans who follow their teams throughout the tournament. Each team will receive between 400 and 750 tickets of that type.
An organizational statement indicated that the measure aims to benefit the most loyal fans and facilitate their attendance at the event. National federations will be responsible for distributing tickets among their regular supporters at both local and international matches.
Where Will the 2026 World Cup Be Played?
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams, a notable increase from the usual 32. It will be played in 16 cities across North America, including 11 NFL stadiums in the United States, plus two venues in Canada and three in Mexico.
The event, officially presented in Washington D.C. on December 6, 2025, promises to be the largest and most profitable tournament in history. According to FIFA estimates, it could generate over $10 billion in total revenue.
However, criticism was not slow to appear. Various fan groups, especially in Europe, deemed the reduction insufficient, as most tickets will still have very high prices.
Reactions Among Fans
The group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) expressed that the reduction was “a appeasement tactic” in the face of global outrage. In their view, the decision shows that FIFA’s pricing policy was rushed and lacked proper consultation with supporters.
This Tuesday, FIFA responded by stating that the modifications seek “greater balance between accessibility and sustainability.” In addition, it recalled that, as a nonprofit organization, it reinvests its revenues in the development of men’s, women’s, and youth football across its 211 member federations.
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Nevertheless, fans continue to apply pressure. Many recall the initial promise of affordable tickets, made when the United States, Canada, and Mexico applied as joint hosts. At that time, there was talk of budget tickets
