In a significant policy reversal, FIFA announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the introduction of a new “Supporter Entry Tier” for the 2026 World Cup. The move comes as a response to intense criticism from fan organizations and world leaders regarding “extortionate” original prices that threatened to make the tournament inaccessible to average supporters.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 104 matches across 16 host cities.
🎟️ The New “Supporter Entry Tier” Details
| Feature | Details |
| Ticket Price | $60 (fixed) for all matches, including the Final |
| Eligibility | Reserved for loyal fans of qualified national teams |
| Allocation | 10% of each national federation’s total ticket allotment |
| Distribution | Managed by individual National Federations (e.g., US Soccer, The FA) |
| Refund Policy | Administrative fees waived if a team is eliminated before the ticketed match |
The price drop is dramatic compared to earlier estimates; for instance, the cheapest seat for the Final was previously projected to cost upwards of $3,000–$4,000.
⚠️ The “Dynamic Pricing” Catch
Despite the new $60 tier, critics—including Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and British PM Keir Starmer—argue the changes don’t go far enough.
- Limited Availability: The $60 tickets account for only about 1.6% of total stadium capacity (roughly 1,000 tickets per match).
- Dynamic Pricing: FIFA will continue to use “dynamic pricing” for general public tickets, where prices fluctuate based on demand. This could still see knockout-stage tickets costing thousands of dollars.
- High Total Cost: FSE estimates that following a team from the group stage to the final will still cost a minimum of $6,900 in tickets alone.
📅 Key Dates for Fans
- Current Phase: The Random Selection Draw (lottery) is currently open and will accept entries until January 13, 2026.
- Lottery Results: Fans will be notified of their success via email in February 2026.
- Payment: Successful applicants will be automatically charged in February.
- Tournament Dates: The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and concludes on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
