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Fans face steep price hikes for 2026 World Cup final
Supporters hoping to attend next year's World Cup final in New Jersey will encounter ticket prices up to seven times higher than those at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, drawing sharp criticism from fan groups.
Pricing tiers revealed
FIFA has structured final-match tickets into three categories, with the lowest-priced "supporter value tier" set at £3,119 ($4,185). Mid-range seats cost £4,162 ($5,560), while premium tickets reach £6,615 ($8,860). In contrast, the cheapest final ticket in Qatar was £450.
No discounts are available for children or other groups, marking a departure from previous tournaments.
Group-stage pricing varies by match popularity
FIFA has abandoned flat-rate pricing for group-stage games, instead basing costs on the perceived popularity of competing teams. For example, England's match against Croatia is priced at £198, £373, or £523, while Scotland's opener against Haiti costs £134, £298, or £372. FIFA has not disclosed how it determined these popularity rankings.
Quarter-final tickets range from £507 to £1,073, and semi-final seats span £686 to £2,363. Attending all eight matches for a single team could total £5,225 in the lowest tier, £8,580 in the mid-range, or £12,357 for premium seats. In 2022, the same journey for seven matches cost £1,466 to £3,914.
Fan groups demand immediate halt to sales
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) condemned the pricing as "extortionate" and called for FIFA to suspend ticket sales pending a policy review. The group criticized the lack of transparency, noting that the lowest-priced tickets are reserved for general sales rather than national associations, where dynamic pricing may apply.
"In the price tables gradually and confidentially released by FIFA, tickets allocated to national associations are reaching astronomical levels. Adding insult to injury, the lowest price category will not be available to the most dedicated supporters through their national associations."
Football Supporters Europe
The Football Supporters' Association's England Fans' Embassy labeled the prices a "slap in the face," arguing that loyalty has been disregarded. Scotland supporter John Wallan told BBC Radio 5 Live that a family trip could cost £15,000-£20,000, forcing him to reconsider plans for his children.
Ballot process and refund policies
The main ticket ballot opened on Thursday, with national supporters' clubs gaining access to a random draw for individual games or "follow your team" packages starting Monday. Each household may request up to four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 across the tournament. Successful applicants may face full charges in January, with refunds issued for matches their team does not reach.
FIFA has not confirmed whether dynamic pricing will apply to resale tickets after the initial sale phase.
Fan reactions
England supporter Luke Buxton called the prices "absolutely outrageous," stating they may force him to skip knockout rounds. "It's a big betrayal to the most dedicated fans," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. Another fan questioned whether the tournament remains accessible to average supporters.
