Following a global backlash over “extortionate” pricing, FIFA has performed a rare climbdown, slashing some ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup and introducing a $60 tier for the most loyal supporters—including for the final.
December 17, 2025: In what is being described as a significant public retreat, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and football’s global governing body announced on Tuesday a new “Supporter Entry Tier” for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The move follows a week of intense criticism from fan groups, particularly in Europe, who labeled the initial pricing a “monumental betrayal.”
Under the new plan:
- $60 Fixed Price: This new tier will be available for every one of the 104 matches, including the high-stakes final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
- Loyal Fans Only: These tickets will not be in the general lottery; instead, they will be given to national federations (Participating Member Associations) to distribute to their most loyal fans—those with a history of attending home and away matches.
- Limited Quantity: Approximately 400 to 750 tickets per team, per game, will be available at this price.
Previously, the cheapest tickets available to loyal followers for the final were reportedly set as high as $4,185, leading to accusations that FIFA was prioritizing profit over the sport’s working-class roots.
“Appeasement Tactic”: Fan Groups Remain Skeptical
While some see the $60 tickets as a victory for fan pressure, the Football Supporters Europe (FSE) group has dismissed the move as a mere “appeasement tactic.”
The FSE noted that even with this change, the vast majority of fans will still be subjected to “dynamic pricing”—a system common in the U.S. where prices fluctuate based on demand. This could see group-stage games involving stars like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo remain prohibitively expensive for most.
“This shows that FIFA’s ticketing policy is not set in stone, was decided in a rush, and without proper consultation,” the FSE said in a statement. “Initial promises of $21 tickets from the 2018 bid have long been abandoned.”
Other Major Concessions
Beyond the $60 price point, FIFA announced several other policy shifts on Tuesday to stem the tide of criticism:
- Fee Waivers: FIFA will now waive administrative fees for fans who reserved tickets for their team’s entire journey (through the final) but require refunds after their team is knocked out.
- Disability Access Concerns: Pressure continues to mount regarding the resale of disability access seats, which FSE claims are being listed at multiple times their face value without companion tickets—a stark contrast to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite the controversy, demand remains unprecedented. FIFA confirmed it has already received over 20 million ticket requests in the current sales phase for the expanded 48-team tournament, which is expected to generate at least $10 billion in revenue.