Demand Surges as Fans Rush Ticket Sales
Fifa reports five million ticket requests since opening the latest sales phase on Thursday. Fans from more than 200 countries submitted requests for the 2026 World Cup. The Colombia versus Portugal group match in Miami on 27 June leads demand.
The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded competition will feature 48 nations for the first time. Matches will run from 11 June until 19 July. Fifa conducted the tournament draw last Friday.
Fifa data shows the most ticket requests came from the three host nations. Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, and Scotland followed closely. Germany, Australia, France, and Panama also ranked highly.
Fans Push Back Against Rising Prices
Supporter groups strongly criticised Fifa’s ticket pricing structure. Group-stage tickets cost up to three times more than Qatar 2022 prices. The cheapest final ticket now costs £3,119.
The Football Supporters’ Association labelled the pricing “scandalous.” Football Supporters Europe joined calls to halt ticket sales. Both groups want direct talks with Fifa about pricing policies.
The Football Association plans to raise supporters’ concerns with Fifa. BBC Sport learned the FA understands England fans’ anger. FA chair Debbie Hewitt will attend a Fifa Council meeting in Doha next week.
Hewitt previously opposed dynamic pricing and rejected its use at Euro 2028. The UK and Ireland will host that tournament. Home Nations FAs also hope to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
Financial Strategy Fuels Controversy
Privately, Fifa officials defend pricing decisions based on the US market. They argue revenue growth supports global football development. Fifa says funding benefits men’s, women’s, and youth competitions worldwide.
President Gianni Infantino aims to deliver record revenues. The tournament could become the most profitable sports event ever. Strong finances may strengthen his re-election prospects in 2027.
Ticket costs escalate sharply in knockout rounds. Quarter-final tickets range from £507 to £1,073. Semi-final prices climb from £686 to £2,363. Final tickets cost at least £3,119.
Fifa offers no concessions for children or other groups. Supporters called “supporter value” tickets an insult. Fans say prices will exclude loyal followers from attending matches.
Following a team through eight matches costs £5,225 at minimum. Mid-range options total about £8,850. Top-tier attendance reaches £12,357.
Comparable Qatar 2022 costs stood far lower. Fans then paid £1,466, £2,645, or £3,914 for seven matches.
