With the FIFA World Cup returning to North America in 2026, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch—especially in cities like Philadelphia, which will host six matches at Lincoln Financial Field. But as the countdown continues, a different kind of drama has unfolded off the pitch: the battle over ticket prices. In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the global soccer community, FIFA recently unveiled a new $60 ticket tier for all 104 matches, including the coveted final, aiming to address mounting criticism over affordability and accessibility for ordinary fans.
FIFA’s announcement on December 16, 2025, came after weeks of escalating backlash from supporters and advocacy groups worldwide. The organization reported a staggering 20 million ticket requests since the third phase of sales began, underscoring just how high the demand is for the world’s most-watched sporting event. Yet, for many, the excitement has been tinged with frustration over soaring prices—some of which reached $4,185 for a single seat at the final before the new policy was introduced.
Under the revised structure, each participating nation will receive an allocation of tickets divided into several tiers: 50% will fall into the most affordable categories, 40% into the Supporter Value Tier, and 10% into the new $60 Entry Tier. The remainder will be split between Standard and Premier tiers. According to FIFA, the $60 tickets—dubbed the "Supporter Entry Tier"—are designed to "further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament." However, the reality is that the number of these affordable seats is limited. For each game, the $60 tickets are likely to number in the hundreds rather than thousands, depending on stadium size. In fact, only about 1.6% of all tickets will be available at this price point, translating to several hundred to 1,300 seats per match.
"I think it's great," said Bill Boyle, manager of The Post in Philadelphia, echoing the sentiments of many local fans. "They've lowered the ticket prices recently, and that's going to make it so much more affordable." With Philadelphia set to be in the international spotlight, the city’s soccer faithful are buzzing with anticipation. But the mood isn’t universally optimistic.
Critics, including fan organizations like Football Supporters Europe (FSE), remain skeptical. FSE called the current prices "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup." In a statement, the group said, "While we welcome FIFA’s seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough to reconcile. Based on the allocations publicly available, this would mean that at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the 60 USD prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before."
FSE has also highlighted the absence of a pricing structure for disabled fans and the lack of complementary companion tickets. Their statement added, "We call upon FIFA to engage in a proper dialogue to arrive at a solution that respects the contribution of fans and the dignity of fans with disabilities." The group previously criticized FIFA for raising ticket prices for people with disabilities by as much as 38 times compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
FIFA, for its part, maintains that it’s listening. A FIFA official close to the discussions told PA, "We listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do." The organization also emphasized its nonprofit status, noting that 90% of its revenue "is redistributed back into the global game, supporting the growth of football around the world." FIFA expects the expanded 48-team tournament to generate at least $10 billion in revenue, a record for the organization.
Still, the path to affordability remains bumpy. Each participating nation is responsible for distributing its allocation of $60 tickets, but details are scarce and many fans worry that these coveted seats will be nearly impossible to secure. "I think they're just trying to do PR," said Cecil Dixon of Chester, Pennsylvania. "It's all PR. I don't really think they care about the regular people." Dixon, a self-described huge soccer fan, added, "I wanted to go to most of the matches, but I'm not gonna pay an absurd price."
Adding to the uncertainty, FIFA’s "random selection draw" ticket lottery for higher-priced seats is underway through January 13, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by email in February and charged automatically. For those who miss out—or can’t afford the premium prices—hope hinges on the slim odds of landing a $60 ticket through their national federation, which will prioritize loyal fans who have attended previous games at home and on the road.
Comparisons to past tournaments only add fuel to the fire. When the U.S., Canada, and Mexico bid for the 2026 World Cup in 2018, organizers promised the cheapest tickets would be just $21. "Where are these tickets now?" FSE asked pointedly. In contrast, the lowest prices for group-stage matches not involving the host nations had ballooned to $120–$265 before the recent changes. Even in Qatar 2022, tickets ranged from around $70 to $1,600, making the 2026 edition the most expensive yet for many fans.
Variable pricing—where FIFA adjusts ticket costs based on demand—has also come under fire, with critics arguing it lacks transparency and shields FIFA from accountability. The organization takes a 15% cut from the resale market, where prices for premium seats have soared into the tens of thousands. For instance, the best seats for the U.S. versus Paraguay opener in Los Angeles were selling for over $101,000 as of mid-December.
Political leaders have entered the fray as well. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer weighed in, saying, "I welcome FIFA's announcement of some lower priced supporters tickets. But as someone who used to save up for England tickets, I encourage FIFA to do more to make tickets more affordable so that the World Cup doesn't lose touch with the genuine supporters who make the game so special."
Despite the controversy, the World Cup’s global appeal remains undiminished. The 2022 final between Argentina and France drew an estimated 570 million viewers, dwarfing even the Super Bowl’s audience. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches, the 2026 tournament promises to be the biggest and most ambitious to date.
As the ticket lottery continues and fans anxiously await word from their national federations, the debate over affordability and access is far from settled. For now, the world waits—and hopes—that the beautiful game will remain within reach for the supporters who give it life.
