FIFA has introduced a new low cost ticket option for the 2026 World Cup. The world football body announced on Tuesday a limited number of 60 dollar Supporter Entry Tier tickets to help fans afford the tournament.
These tickets will be valid for all 104 matches, including the final. FIFA said the new category will make up 10 percent of the ticket allocation for Participating Member Associations, also known as PMAs.
PMAs represent the teams taking part in the World Cup. They run special ticket programs for their supporters. Each PMA will control how the tickets are shared and will set its own rules to give priority to loyal fans linked closely to the national team.
FIFA said half of every PMA’s ticket allocation will fall under the cheapest categories. Forty percent will be under the Supporter Value Tier. Another 10 percent will be under the new Supporter Entry Tier. The rest of the tickets will be split equally between the Supporter Standard Tier and the Supporter Premier Tier.
Fans who apply through PMA programs and later ask for a refund because their team fails to reach the knockout stage will not have to pay any administrative fees.
The move comes as ticket prices face strong criticism ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Last week, Football Supporters Europe said FIFA’s ticket prices were too high for regular fans. Its director Ronan Evain said the new pricing step was positive but not enough.
Evain said following a team to the final would cost 480 dollars in the lowest category. The price then rises sharply to 6,900 dollars in the next category. This means fans sitting in the same area could pay vastly different amounts.
He also criticised the lack of clear rules on ticket distribution. Evain said FIFA does not set firm guidelines for PMAs, leaving them free to decide how tickets are shared.
A BBC report said around 400 of the cheaper tickets may be available for England and Scotland in group matches. Evain added that most PMAs do not publish exact ticket numbers.
FIFA said PMAs were asked to ensure the cheaper tickets go to loyal supporters connected to their teams.
Evain also raised concerns for disabled fans. He said the lowest cost to follow a team to the final could reach 7,000 dollars. Fans would also need to pay full price for companion seats, doubling the cost.
Reuters has shared Evain’s comments with FIFA for a response.
Despite the criticism, FIFA said interest remains strong. The third phase of ticket sales began on December 11 and will stay open until January 13. The demand has increased after FIFA released match schedules, venues and kick off times.
