Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has accused Fifa of a “monumental betrayal” after it emerged that the cheapest tickets for the 2026 World Cup final will cost more than £3,000. The Croatian football federation published prices for its participant member association (PMA) allocation, revealing that the cheapest ticket for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July is $4,185 (£3,120). FSE called the prices “extortionate” and demanded an immediate halt to sales.
The group said the minimum for the most dedicated fans to follow their team from the first match to the final would be $6,900 (£5,137.74), five times more than the cost of doing so at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That figure could more than double once flights and accommodation are included. FSE stated: “This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle.”
Members of the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) were astonished to hear from the Football Association that the cheapest ticket for England’s opening match against Croatia in Dallas is $265 (£195). Tickets for group games against Ghana and Panama start at $220 (£165). A semi-final ticket would cost at least £687, up from £508 for quarter-finals. By comparison, following England through Euro 2024 in the “fans first” category would have cost €375 (£328).
Fans also faced news that US visitors may have to reveal social media activity from the last five years under new US administration plans. England supporters group Free Lions said on X: “This can’t be allowed to happen. Match-goers across the world deserve protection from these rip-off prices.”
A random lottery for tickets opened on Thursday, running until 13 January, where fans can order tickets at fixed prices. Earlier sales windows used dynamic pricing. PMA allocations equate to 8% of stadium capacity per match. FSE said pricing appeared to be based on “vague criteria such as the perceived attractiveness of the fixture”.
