Supporters around the world have expressed anger and disappointment at the cost of attending the 2026 World Cup, saying ticket prices make following their teams impossible for many. The Football Supporters' Association has described the pricing as a slap in the face for fans, and some group-stage tickets now exceed a month’s wages in poorer nations, before travel and accommodation are added.
Fifa published its latest ticketing policy on Thursday, showing group-stage prices up to three times higher than for Qatar 2022. The cheapest ticket offered for the final is $4,185 (about £3,119). Fifa said it received around five million ticket requests from fans in more than 200 countries within 24 hours of the new sales phase opening.
Prices far outstrip wages in some countries
The expansion to 48 teams, promoted as a way to include smaller nations and spread football fever, has not eased affordability for many supporters. In Haiti, where the average monthly wage is about $147 (£110), the lowest-priced ticket for Haiti’s first match — against Scotland — is $180 (£135). Attending all three group games would cost about $625 (£467), more than four months’ pay for an average Haitian worker.
