FIFA is facing mounting pressure to "immediately halt" World Cup ticket sales for the 2026 tournament amid accusations of exploiting loyal fans with exorbitant prices. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a leading fan organization, has condemned FIFA's pricing strategy as a "monumental betrayal" and is calling for an immediate review of the current system.
The controversy stems from the pricing structure for participant member association (PMA) allocations, which are intended to provide dedicated fans who consistently attend matches with access to tickets at fixed prices. However, the Croatian federation, among others, revealed that the cheapest tickets for the final on July 19 are priced at $4,185 (£3,120) each.
FSE argues that these prices are up to five times higher than those charged at the previous World Cup in Qatar. They estimate that fans wishing to attend every match from the opening game to the final through the PMA allocation could face costs exceeding 6,900 euros (just over £6,000).
In a statement, FSE expressed astonishment at the "extortionate ticket prices imposed by FIFA on the most dedicated supporters". The organization insists that FIFA should engage in consultations with all affected parties to find a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup.
Adding to the outrage, FIFA has implemented a variable pricing policy, which means that fans of different national teams could be charged different amounts for the same category of ticket at the same stage, depending on the perceived attractiveness of the fixture. This has led to accusations that FIFA is prioritizing revenue maximization over fan accessibility.
FIFA is also facing criticism for its approach to ticket resales. For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is operating an official resale platform with no price restrictions, allowing prices to spiral upwards. FIFA is taking a 30% cut of every secondary transaction, causing further uproar among fans. Some experts have described this practice as FIFA acting as a "scalper".
The organization insists that its pricing model reflects existing market practices for major events in North America, where the majority of the 2026 World Cup matches will be held. FIFA also argues that resale fees will discourage people from buying large quantities of tickets solely for profit.
However, critics argue that FIFA's actions are excluding ordinary fans and undermining the spirit of the World Cup. There are reports of tickets being resold for exorbitant prices, with some reaching as high as $35,000. Concerns have also been raised about the "right to buy" ticket tokens, which require fans to commit to purchasing tickets before knowing the actual prices.
The controversy has sparked widespread anger among fans, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration. Some supporters are even calling for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup to protest FIFA's pricing policies.
As the pressure mounts, FIFA faces a critical decision on whether to address the concerns of fans and implement a more equitable ticketing system. Failure to do so risks alienating a significant portion of its fan base and damaging the reputation of the world's most prestigious football tournament.
