FIFA Accused of Betraying Supporters with Sky-High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

Football supporter groups have accused FIFA of "betrayal" regarding the unreasonable ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup. The international football federation has allocated 8 percent of tickets for the football associations of the qualifying teams to be sold to the most dedicated supporters of each team.

However, based on the price list released by the German football federation, it reveals the fact of exorbitant ticket prices for the event that will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Prices for the group stage vary from 180 US dollars (approximately 2.99 million IDR) to 700 US dollars (approximately 11.6 million IDR).

Meanwhile, the lowest price for the final match is 4,185 US dollars (Rp 69.6 million), while the highest reaches 8,680 US dollars (Rp 144.4 million). In the secondary market, tickets for the final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey, have been offered at a price of 11,000 US dollars (Rp 183 million).

In addition to the prices deemed unreasonable, the issue at hand is the discrepancy in FIFA's statements regarding ticket prices. Previously, FIFA stated that the prices for tickets available for the group stage were only 60 US dollars (Rp 998,000), whereas the United States, when bidding to host seven years ago, offered hundreds of thousands of tickets for just 21 US dollars (Rp 349,000).

The European supporters' organization, Football Supporters Europe (FSE), described the current prices as "very expensive." "This is a great betrayal of the World Cup tradition, disregarding the contributions of supporters to the event," stated FSE on Thursday (12/12/2025).

The Football Association (FA) has also shared pricing information with the supporters' group of the Three Lions, the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC). The offered prices indicate that a supporter must spend up to 7,000 US dollars (Rp 116 million) to purchase tickets ranging from the group stage to the final match.

In September, FIFA announced that ticket prices available on their website would range from 60 US dollars for group stage matches to 6,730 US dollars for the final match. However, FIFA stated that these prices could change, as they adopted a dynamic ticket pricing policy for the World Cup for the first time.

The ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are significantly higher compared to the tickets for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Four years ago, ticket prices ranged from 70 US dollars to 1,600 US dollars. The last time the US hosted the World Cup in 1994, ticket prices varied from 25 US dollars to 475 US dollars.

"With the price set by FIFA, we are shocked. This is the work of a handful of people trying to make as much money as possible from this tournament. And we believe this approach endangers the essence of the tournament itself," said FSE Executive Director Ronan Evain, to Reuters.

Tickets are available in four categories, with the best seats designated as Category 1. In the price list released by the German football federation, there are only three categories.

The lowest ticket price for Germany's group stage match is 180 US dollars, when facing Curacao in Houston. The cheapest price if Germany reaches the semifinals is 920 US dollars, and it can rise to as much as 1,125 US dollars.

"For the final match, ticket prices will rise to around 4,000 US dollars. You need fans, you need enthusiasm in the stands, you need color, you need atmosphere. With prices like this, none of that will happen," emphasized Evain.

FSE urges FIFA to temporarily halt ticket sales through the football associations of participating countries until a joint solution is found. "Until a solution that respects the traditions, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is reached," stated FSE.

FIFA launched the third phase of ticket sales widely on Thursday (12/12/2025), with fans now able to register for specific matches for the first time through a "Random Selection Draw." Following the group stage draw last week, the updated schedule has been published.

This means that fans know when and where players like Lionel Messi and Argentina will be playing. The previous ticket lottery was closed because the qualification period had not yet been completed and the draw had not been conducted.

The participating countries now know their groups, as well as the path they will take throughout the tournament. For instance, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could meet in the quarter-finals in Kansas City if Argentina and Portugal both top their respective groups.

However, not all fans are guaranteed to receive tickets for the matches they applied for. The lottery opened on December 11 and closed on January 13, 2026.

FIFA stated that ticket applications can be submitted at any time during this period, and the timing of the application will not affect the chances of success. Fans can apply through the FIFA website for a maximum of four tickets per household per match and a total of up to 40 tickets during the tournament.

Evain stated that FIFA's pricing policy will encourage many ordinary supporters to exceed their financial capabilities. According to him, many fans will have to take financial risks to travel to the United States to watch football, especially if they have families.

"The cost is around 30,000 US dollars for a family of four. Most football fans cannot afford to pay this. Even in Europe," said Evain. (AP/REUTERS)