British football fans face soaring costs for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada, with hotel prices and ticket resale values reaching astronomical levels. In Parliament, peers and a minister condemned FIFA for 'rip-off' pricing, with some final tickets on the official resale site exceeding $1 million (£744,625).
Labour peer Lord Bassam of Brighton criticised FIFA for tripling the price of the best tickets to the final, from $10,990 to $32,970 (£24,550). He noted that some tickets cost as much as $6,500, pricing ordinary fans out of attending matches.
Government minister Baroness Twycross acknowledged fans' frustrations, especially given cost of living pressures, but stressed that FIFA alone determines ticket pricing. She urged the home nations' football associations to formally raise concerns with FIFA.
Lord Watts highlighted that fans are being 'ripped off' not only on tickets but also on flights and hotels, with some facing gazumping. He called for government action to stop these practices. Baroness Twycross replied that the associations are already raising the issues.
Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway suggested employers offer flexibility for staff to watch matches during work hours. Baroness Twycross said while some employers may use discretion, it would be unrealistic for the government to urge everyone to stop work for every match.
