FIFA announces $60 World Cup tickets for ‘loyal fans’ after sustained criticism

World Cup organisers on Tuesday, December 16, announced the introduction of a cheaper category of tickets for the 2026 tournament following sustained criticism over pricing for the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA said in a statement that it had created Supporter Entry Tier tickets set at 60 US dollars each and available for all 104 matches, including the final. The governing body described the initiative as designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament. According to FIFA, the 60 dollar tickets will be reserved exclusively for supporters of qualified teams and will account for 10 percent of each national federations ticket allocation. The announcement follows mounting pressure from supporter groups, with Football Supporters Europe last week describing ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup as extortionate and astronomical. FSE said current prices were almost five times higher than those charged during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. If a supporter were to follow their team from the first match to the final it would cost them a minimum of $6,900, the group said. FSE also noted that World Cup organisers had previously pledged tickets starting from 21 dollars in a bid document released in 2018. In announcing the new pricing tier, FIFA said national football federations are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams. FIFA also confirmed that supporters who purchase tickets for knockout stage matches but see their team eliminated earlier in the tournament will have the administrative fee waived when refunds are processed. The organisation added that the decision comes amid extraordinary global demand for tickets, revealing that 20 million requests have already been submitted. The draw for tickets across all price categories in the first phase of sales is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 13.The post FIFA announces $60 World Cup tickets for loyal fans after sustained criticism appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.