How sky-high prices are turning fans away from 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing mounting criticism over ticket prices, as fans and officials warn that soaring costs risk pushing ordinary supporters out of the world’s biggest sporting event.
The tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the largest World Cup in history, but it is also shaping up to be the most expensive.
During FIFA’s latest ticketing phase, known as the Random Selection Draw, some group-stage seats were priced as high as $700, while tickets for the final match in New Jersey were listed for thousands of dollars.
“These primary market prices are already, by far, the most expensive in World Cup history,” said Henry Bushnell, a senior writer for The Athletic.
Facing backlash, FIFA added a limited number of $60 tickets for each match. But critics say the gesture has not gone far enough.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged FIFA to take stronger steps to keep the tournament affordable. “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,” Starmer wrote on X.
Fan groups have also expressed alarm. Brian Hexsel, president of the American Outlaws, a major US soccer supporters organisation, called the prices “absolutely insane.” “My biggest fear is that FIFA has actually stopped the growing of the sport in the US,” Hexsel said.
While stadiums are expected to fill regardless, critics argue that the atmosphere could suffer if traditional supporters are priced out.
Still, FIFA insists demand remains overwhelming. The organisation said more than 500 million ticket requests were submitted during the Random Selection Draw, suggesting interest remains high even amid concerns about affordability.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
