FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets for teams’ most loyal fans after global fan backlash
FIFA made a significant announcement regarding World Cup ticket prices, offering $60 seats for loyal fans who have supported their national teams in previous games. This decision came after a wave of backlash from fans around the world, who were outraged at the initial ticket pricing, which ranged from $120 to $265 for group-stage games.
The $60 tickets will be available for every game at the tournament in North America, with national federations deciding how to distribute them among their loyal supporters. This new price category, called the “Supporter Entry Tier,” is a drastic change from the previous ticketing plans and is aimed at supporting fans who travel to follow their teams.
Initially, FIFA faced criticism for not offering any tickets in the lowest-priced category to participating teams, despite promises made by the co-hosts eight years ago. The dynamic pricing and extra fees on a FIFA-run resale platform also added to fans’ frustration, especially in Europe where such practices are uncommon in the soccer industry.
In response to the backlash, FIFA announced that it would waive administrative fees for refunds after the tournament, addressing another point of contention among fans. The World Cup in North America will feature 48 teams for the first time, playing in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with the final set to take place in New Jersey on July 19.
The World Cup draw has already been completed, with the United States placed in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of UEFA playoff C. The tournament will kick off on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City and South Korea playing the winner of UEFA playoff D in Guadalajara. The final lineup for the playoff games will be determined in March 2026.
As FIFA continues to make adjustments to its ticketing policies, fans can now look forward to more affordable options that will allow them to support their teams at the World Cup in North America. The ongoing changes reflect FIFA’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and fan-friendly experience for soccer enthusiasts worldwide.
