Why World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Are Leaving Fans Shocked

As the men’s World Cup approaches in mid-2026, excitement among football supporters is building. The expanded tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be one of the most ambitious editions in the competition’s history.

Yet for many long-time fans, anticipation has been replaced by concern. The latest phase of ticket sales, launched this week, has triggered widespread criticism after prices for key matches — including the final — reached levels far beyond what many supporters expected or can afford.

Rising Costs Spark Global Backlash

Under FIFA’s Participating Member Association (PMA) allocation, national football associations were given access to sell tickets directly to their most loyal supporters. These allocations are typically reserved for fans who qualify through official supporter groups or long-standing loyalty schemes.

Instead of offering reassurance, the prices shared with these groups have prompted anger and disbelief. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), an umbrella organization representing fan groups across the continent, said it was “astonished by the extortionate ticket prices imposed by FIFA on the most dedicated supporters.”

According to information compiled by FSE, a supporter following their national team from the group stage through to the final could be required to pay at least $6,900 for match tickets alone. The group said this was nearly five times the cost faced by comparable fans at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

FSE has urged FIFA to pause ticket sales, arguing that current pricing risks undermining the tournament’s traditions and excluding the very supporters who create its atmosphere.

Loyal Fans Face Difficult Choices

For many supporters, ticket prices represent only part of the financial burden. Travel across three host countries, accommodation, and time off work significantly add to the overall cost of attending matches.

Fan groups fear this combination will push out supporters who have followed their teams for decades, replacing them with spectators able to pay premium prices but lacking the same connection to the sport. Critics warn this could affect the atmosphere inside stadiums throughout the tournament.

These concerns have been echoed by national supporter organizations, particularly in Europe, where travel distances and costs are expected to be substantial.

England Supporters Highlight the Issue

England provides a clear example of the challenges facing fans. The Football Association shared ticket pricing details with its official supporter groups on Thursday.

For England’s opening group match against Croatia, the cheapest available ticket is priced at $265. If England were to reach the final, the lowest-priced ticket would cost $4,185, while premium seats could rise as high as $8,680.

Supporters have also been told that payment for tickets will be required by early 2026, further increasing pressure on household budgets.

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which represents fans in England and Wales, described the pricing as “a step too far for many supporters.”

In a statement, the FSA said the rollout confirmed long-held fears about the commercial direction of the sport, accusing FIFA of viewing supporter loyalty as a source of profit rather than a foundation of the game.

FIFA’s Ticketing Approach Under Scrutiny

FIFA has already conducted two earlier ticket sales phases, both launched before the tournament draw and match schedule were finalized. This latest phase marks the first opportunity for fans to apply for tickets knowing exactly when and where their teams will play.

The governing body has repeatedly stated that the 2026 World Cup would be accessible to fans, highlighting the availability of multiple ticket categories. FIFA has said the cheapest tickets for group matches would start at $60.

However, those lowest-priced tickets have not been included in the PMA allocations provided to national associations. As a result, loyal supporters seeking to follow their teams through official channels have been faced with significantly higher minimum prices.

CNN Sports has contacted FIFA for comment regarding the criticism but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Variable Pricing Raises Further Concerns

Fans who are not eligible for PMA tickets can also apply for seats through FIFA’s Random Selection Draw, which opened this week. This option allows supporters to request tickets for individual matches rather than following a specific team.

For the first time in World Cup history, group stage matches will not have a flat price. Instead, tickets will be priced according to demand, meaning fans from different countries could pay different amounts for matches at the same stage of the tournament.

Supporter groups argue this dynamic pricing model further erodes the World Cup’s traditional emphasis on accessibility and equality.

“This represents a monumental betrayal of the World Cup’s tradition,” FSE said, adding that supporters play a central role in creating the spectacle that makes the tournament unique.

Pressure Mounts Ahead of 2026

With less than a year until kickoff, pressure is growing on FIFA to revisit its ticketing strategy. Supporters’ organizations warn that unless pricing becomes more inclusive, the tournament risks losing the diverse, passionate fan base that has defined previous World Cups.

As preparations continue across North America, the debate over affordability is likely to remain central. For many fans, the question is no longer whether they want to attend the World Cup — but whether they can realistically afford to be there.