FIFA has announced the introduction of a new £45 ($60) ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, in response to widespread criticism over the tournament’s pricing structure. The new tickets, described by the governing body as “more affordable,” will be available for all 104 matches across the expanded competition, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Who the Cheaper Tickets Are For
The £45 tickets will fall under the newly defined “supporter entry tier,” the lowest-priced category available. FIFA says these tickets will be reserved for a limited number of loyal supporters from countries that have qualified for the tournament. Allocation and distribution will be handled by each participating member association, which will also determine eligibility criteria to ensure tickets go to fans closely connected to their national teams.
Despite the headline price cut, availability will be restricted. Only 10% of each national association’s ticket allocation will be priced at £45. For countries such as England and Scotland, this is expected to translate to around 400 tickets per team for group-stage matches. Overall, FIFA says that 50% of each national allocation will sit within its two lowest pricing tiers, though critics argue the numbers remain insufficient.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the move, calling it a positive step, but urged FIFA to go further. He warned that pricing fans out of the World Cup risked alienating the very supporters who give the tournament its atmosphere and meaning. Fan organizations were less forgiving. The Football Supporters’ Association labelled the move a “hollow gesture,” while Football Supporters Europe said the revisions failed to undo the damage caused by FIFA’s original plans
Background to the Pricing U-Turn
Under the original pricing model, following a team like England through every match to the final would have cost fans more than £5,000, excluding travel and accommodation. That figure triggered intense backlash and prompted urgent discussions between FIFA officials, national associations and supporter groups. Meetings held in Doha earlier this week are understood to have played a key role in shaping the revised ticket structure.
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FIFA insiders describe the new ticket tier as a unanimous decision and a sign the organization has listened to feedback. However, with demand expected to far outstrip supply, many fans remain sceptical. While the £45 ticket offers symbolic progress, pressure is likely to continue on FIFA to ensure the 2026 World Cup remains accessible to ordinary supporters.
