Football fans and supporter groups are demanding FIFA halt ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, citing outrageously high prices that could exclude the tournament’s most passionate fans. The event, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has seen ticket costs for premium seats soar to nearly $9,000, a massive jump from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Supporter Groups Condemn FIFA’s Pricing

Football Supporters Europe, a leading fan organization, called the pricing “extortionate” and warned that the 2026 World Cup risks becoming the so-called “Corporate Games.” The group described the pricing structure as a “monumental betrayal” of the tournament’s long-standing tradition of accessibility and atmosphere.

According to released pricing details from Germany, England, and Croatia’s football federations, a fan attending every match from the group stage through the final could face costs exceeding $6,900 via official supporter channels. Premium tickets for the championship match at MetLife Stadium in New York are listed at $8,680, compared to around $1,600 for equivalent seats at Qatar 2022.

FIFA Faces Broader Scrutiny

FIFA is already under scrutiny following praise from President Gianni Infantino for US President Donald Trump and the awarding of an inaugural FIFA peace prize to the former US leader. Human rights organization FairSquare filed a complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee, claiming the organization’s behavior violated principles of political neutrality and the global football community’s interests.

Variable Ticket Pricing Draws Criticism

The controversy intensified during FIFA’s third phase of ticket sales, which introduced variable pricing for group stage matches based on “fixture attractiveness.” Critics say the method for determining pricing remains opaque. For instance, England’s opening match against Croatia costs $523 for seats behind the goal, while other nations’ fans pay significantly less for similar sections.

Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, warned that tickets approaching $4,000 for finals will erode stadium atmosphere, undermining the excitement that makes the World Cup globally compelling. UK football journalist Henry Winter echoed these concerns, cautioning that such pricing risks transforming the tournament into a corporate showcase with empty seats despite high broadcast revenues.

Financial Burden on International Fans

Fans traveling from outside North America face additional costs for flights, lodging, and meals. Journalist Gary Al-Smith highlighted that the financial burden could make attending the tournament prohibitively expensive, warning that the World Cup may become “one helluva costly” experience for dedicated supporters.

The pricing represents a sharp departure from FIFA’s 2018 bid documents, which projected group stage tickets starting at just $21. The governing body has also excluded the cheapest ticket tier from supporter allocations, leaving category four seats available only for public sale under fluctuating, demand-based pricing.