FIFA’s New Pricing Model Puts World Cup Out of Reach for Many Fans
FIFA, the international governing body of football, has introduced a new pricing model for tickets to the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This model includes a 30 percent cut for FIFA on each transaction in the resale market, marking the first time the organization has directly profited from ticket resales. The move is expected to make tickets the most expensive in World Cup history, with some already priced at a staggering £1,000 or more. The cost of a hospitality ticket for a group game starts at $1,400 per person, and prices for the final at the MetLife Stadium are being offered for nearly £33,000 on resale sites. The high costs are a result of soaring demand and FIFA’s decision to freeze ticket allocations to official fans, effectively pricing out tens of thousands of passionate supporters.
A Blow to England Fans and Their Loyalty
The 2026 World Cup is highly anticipated, especially by England fans who are eager to see the Three Lions play on the global stage. However, the new pricing model is causing significant frustration and financial strain. The England Supporters Travel Club, which has 27,000 members, will receive just eight percent of the tickets for each World Cup match, amounting to as few as 3,600 tickets at some venues. This limited allocation means that only a small minority of fans will be able to afford tickets at more reasonable prices. The rest will likely be forced to turn to the secondary market, where prices are skyrocketing due to high demand. For many fans, the cost of a ticket represents a significant portion of their income, making it nearly impossible to justify the expense. Chelsea supporter Richard Wilson, a 64-year-old Border Force case worker, expressed his disappointment, likening FIFA to a tout and stating that the situation is a “total disgrace.”
The Impact on a Global Football Community
The financial barriers imposed by FIFA’s new pricing model are not unique to England fans. Fans from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, who are also participating in the World Cup draw, face similar challenges. The influx of more nations into the tournament has intensified demand, but FIFA’s decision to freeze ticket allocations to official supporters exacerbates the issue. Bharat Patel, a 34-year-old panel beater from Ilford, East London, highlighted the unfairness of the situation, noting that earning £350 a week makes a £1,000 ticket unaffordable. The situation is further complicated by the fact that FIFA is governed by US laws, which allow tickets to be resold at any price, giving the organization little incentive to regulate the secondary market. This has led to a vicious cycle where prices continue to rise, and ordinary fans are pushed to the sidelines.
The High Cost of Watching the World Cup Final
The most sought-after tickets are for the World Cup Final, set to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Checks on resale websites like Vivid Seats showed that a Category One seat, complete with a hospitality package, is already being offered for £32,967. The site claims that these tickets are “selling fast,” highlighting the intense demand and the financial barriers facing fans. Thomas Concannon, from the Football Supporters’ Association, predicts that fans will have to pay more than double the outlay from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The high prices are not just a concern for fans but also reflect a broader issue within the sport, where commercial interests often overshadow the needs and desires of the grassroots community.
FIFA’s Response and Future Concerns
FIFA, headed by Gianni Infantino, a close associate of US President Donald Trump, has defended its pricing model, stating that it reflects existing market practices in the host countries. The organization claims that its 15 percent cut from both the buyer and seller on each resale is designed to “deter” resales, but many critics argue that it will only exacerbate the problem. A FIFA spokesperson stated that ringfenced allocations “will be set at a fixed price for the duration of the next ticket sales phase” and that the pricing model is in line with the legal treatment of the secondary market in the US. However, the reality is that ordinary fans are being priced out of the World Cup, and the commercialization of the event is threatening to alienate the very people who make it special. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the focus should be on ensuring fair and accessible ticketing, not on lining the pockets of FIFA’s executives.
A Call for Fairer Access
The 2026 World Cup is a unique event, bringing together nations in a triumvirate of host countries. It is a celebration of football and a testament to the sport’s global appeal. However, the current ticketing model risks undermining the spirit of the event by prioritizing profit over fan experience. The anger and frustration expressed by fans like Richard Wilson, Keith Brown, and Bharat Patel are a clear indication that something needs to change. FIFA must take a more proactive role in ensuring that tickets are accessible and affordable, not just for the wealthy elite but for the passionate and loyal supporters who make the World Cup the spectacle it is. The future of the World Cup depends on the involvement and enjoyment of fans from all walks of life, and it is crucial that FIFA remembers this as it moves forward with its ticketing strategy.
