The Tartan Army has launched a furious attack on FIFA, accusing football's global governing body of leaving Scotland supporters completely in the dark over ticket prices and availability for the 2026 World Cup. The criticism comes as Steve Clarke's side prepares to learn its group-stage opponents in Friday's glittering draw in Washington.
A Scramble in the Dark for Supporters
With full match schedules and venues not being confirmed until Saturday night, fan representatives say ordinary supporters are facing an anxious and potentially expensive wait. The core issue is a profound lack of clarity: thousands of loyal fans desperate to follow Scotland to the USA, Canada, and Mexico still have no concrete information on how much they will need to pay, where they might be seated, or how many tickets will be allocated to them.
There are already alarming reports that tickets could cost more than £1,000 each for those unable to secure them through national associations. FIFA has stated that only eight per cent of a stadium's capacity will be reserved for such fixed-price tickets, with the remainder going to sponsors, guests, and general sale. This policy has sparked major fears that a huge number of briefs will end up on expensive resale websites.
From Celebration to Outrage
In a powerful statement, the Association of Tartan Army Clubs (ATAC) expressed deep disappointment, contrasting the current situation with past tournaments. "This should be a day of pure joy for Scotland supporters," they said, referencing the 10,027 days since the nation last graced the World Cup stage in 1998.
The group highlighted the stark difference in affordability, noting that in France '98, the best seats cost just £38. They also praised the accessible allocation at Euro 2024 in Germany, which allowed 10,000 Scotland fans to congregate together behind the goals. "This time? We still have no idea," the statement continued, "What we do know is that prices are spiralling into the absurd - and that many fans will simply be locked out."
Exploitative Practices and Broken Promises
The anger has been compounded by claims that fans may be forced to purchase tickets for all potential knockout stage matches just to secure group-stage seats, with FIFA allegedly planning to charge a 'refund fee' for any unused tickets. For a nation that has never progressed beyond the group stages, this is seen as particularly exploitative.
ATAC directly called out FIFA President Gianni Infantino, recalling his 2008 visit to Stirling Castle where he "promised football would be returned to its supporters." The statement accused FIFA of "corporate greed dressed up as 'fan engagement'" and warned that a huge portion of Scotland's famed travelling support risks being left behind not by choice, but by cost.
The statement concluded with a stark reminder of football's fundamental truth: "No Fans = No Game." The Tartan Army now waits to see if FIFA will provide the clarity and fairness they demand ahead of the mad scramble for 2026 World Cup tickets.
