Ticket Prices Surge by Nearly 500%

Prices revealed on Thursday show increases of almost 500% compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, already presents fans with heavy travel and accommodation costs.

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has called on the English FA to challenge FIFA, branding the pricing “scandalous” and a “laughable insult” to ordinary supporters.

How Much Will Fans Pay?

For members of the England Supporters’ Travel Club, ticket prices range widely depending on the stage:

• Group matches: £164 – £523
• Round of 16: £220 – £575
• Quarter-finals: £508 – £1,076
• Semi-finals: £687 – £2,370
• Final: £3,129 – £6,489

Scotland supporters face similar costs, with group-stage tickets starting at around £134, while final tickets match England’s price range.

General Sale Prices

FIFA has also opened a general lottery sales phase available to all fans until January. Prices include:

• Group games: £104 – £2,046
• Round of 32: £142 – £591
• Round of 16: £164 – £733
• Quarter-finals: £400 – £1,327
• Semi-finals: £677 – £2,465
• Final: £3,130 – £6,493

Tickets can also be resold on FIFA’s official platform, where the governing body will take a 30% commission.

Why Are Prices So High?

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) says pricing appears to depend on the “perceived attractiveness” of fixtures rather than a flat rate for group games.

While FIFA confirmed that dynamic pricing will be used in some phases, it insists prices will remain fixed during the main ballot window.

Critics also point out that the official 2026 World Cup bid had promised the cheapest tickets would range between £15 and £96.

FIFA’s Response

FIFA has declined to comment directly on the criticism but said it received five million ticket requests in the first 24 hours, highlighting what it called “soaring global demand”.

The organisation maintains that it is a non-profit body and reinvests revenue from ticket sales back into football development.

Supporters React

Fan groups across Europe have condemned the prices. The FSA accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of exploiting supporter loyalty, while FSE described the pricing as a “monumental betrayal” of World Cup traditions.

Scottish supporters’ groups have urged their FA and FIFA officials to intervene, warning that many loyal fans will be priced out entirely.

Looking Ahead

With the World Cup scheduled for June–July 2026, pressure is mounting on FIFA to review its pricing strategy. For many fans, the fear remains that football’s biggest global celebration is drifting further away from the people who give it life.