Leading football supporter groups have called on FIFA to immediately suspend ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, citing sharply higher costs that could price out ordinary fans. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) issued the appeal on Thursday, labeling the current pricing model “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal” of the tournament’s traditions.
FIFA began the third phase of ticket sales for the 2026 men’s World Cup—scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—in recent weeks. Pricing details released by national football associations in Germany, England, and Croatia showed that the cost of attending every match from the group stage to the final could total at least $6,900 through official supporter allocations.
Premium tickets for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New York are listed at $8,680. By comparison, similarly placed seats for the 2022 final in Qatar were priced around $1,600. The lowest-cost options—category four seats—have reportedly been withheld from public sale and from allocations to fan groups, with price fluctuations based on unspecified “fixture attractiveness.”
In some cases, seats for early-round matches have also drawn criticism. England’s opening match against Croatia will cost $523 for behind-the-goal tickets. Some Scotland supporters will pay less for similar fixtures, creating concerns over transparency in the pricing model.
The elevated prices contrast sharply with FIFA’s 2018 bid documentation, which projected affordable ticket pricing, including some group-stage seats beginning at $21.
Outside pricing concerns, FIFA is also facing scrutiny over its leadership. Human rights group FairSquare filed a complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee this week, alleging a breach of political neutrality. The filing follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s public praise of US President Donald Trump and the awarding of a newly created peace prize to him. Trump has expressed frustration over not receiving this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.
Supporter groups are demanding immediate consultations and a halt to ticket sales, urging FIFA to reconsider pricing that could reshape who is able to attend the tournament in North America.
