European Supporters Ask FIFA to Review 2026 World Cup Pricing
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has called on FIFA to halt ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, citing "extortionate" prices. Data reveals a 500% cost increase compared to Qatar 2022, with fans facing bills of up to $6,900 to follow their teams.
European football fans are urging FIFA to rethink its ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup, calling the current costs "extortionate." On Thursday, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) formally requested that FIFA pause ticket sales and launch an immediate review of the pricing structure.
According to FSE data, a supporter hoping to follow their team from the group stages to the final in the United States, Canada, and Mexico would face a ticket bill of approximately $6,900. The group notes this is nearly five times higher than the cost for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
FSE also criticized the removal of the cheapest "Category 4" tickets from specific national team allocations. Instead, these affordable seats have been pushed into general sales, where they are subject to dynamic pricing, a system where costs rise with demand.
"This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup," the organization stated. "We call on FIFA to immediately halt ticket sales... and review ticket prices."
Social media has been flooded with backlash, with fans calling the prices a "slap in the face" and a "rip-off." In response, FIFA has defended the pricing model, stating it reflects "existing market practice" for major sports and entertainment events in the host nations.
