World football governing body insists pricing is “competitive” and revenue is reinvested in the game
Fifa has defended its ticketing strategy for the 2026 World Cup after criticism from England supporters over the cost of attending matches in North America.
Tickets went on sale on 1 October for fans selected in last month’s draw. Group stage seats start from $60, but buyers have reported that those cheaper tickets are scarce, and prices are expected to increase with demand under Fifa’s dynamic pricing system.
The England Fans’ Embassy believes that following England from their opening game through to the final would cost at least £2,364 ($3,180) even at the lowest price tier, more than double what they spent for the Qatar World Cup in 2022. The cheapest ticket for the final is listed at $2,000.
“Combined with travel to the Americas and accommodation, this will be the most expensive World Cup for match-going fans we’ve ever seen by some distance,” said Thomas Concannon of the England Fans’ Embassy.
“We’d urge the FA to work with other nations around the world to put pressure on Fifa to keep this World Cup financially accessible for match-going fans.”
However, in a statement Fifa defended the cost of tickets, describing it as “fair” and “competitive”.
“The pricing model adopted generally reflects the existing and developing market practice in our co-hosts for major entertainment and sporting events, soccer included.
“We are focused on ensuring fair access to our game for existing but also prospective fans, and are offering group stage tickets starting at $60, a very competitive price point for a major global sporting event in the US.”
The governing body added that revenue from ticketing does not go into private pockets but instead helps it in its mission of developing global football.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, the revenue Fifa generates from the World Cup is reinvested to fuel the growth of the game throughout Fifa’s 211 member associations globally.
“Fifa expects to reinvest more than 90 per cent of its budgeted investments for 2023-2026 back in the game to significantly boost global football development.
“Without Fifa’s financial support more than 50 per cent of Fifa’s member associations could not operate.”
