FIFA cuts ticket prices to $60 for limited fixtures following fan backlash

FIFA

has slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for loyal fans following global protests over skyrocketing costs, with certain supporters now able to secure seats for the final at $60, through a special tier, instead of the previously announced $4,185 .

The rare reversal by FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, follows mounting criticism over the tournament’s ticketing strategy and steep top tier pricing. Fans across several countries reacted angrily after FIFA’s plans left participating teams with no access to the lowest priced seats, which traditionally account for around 8 per cent of a stadium’s capacity per team. Critics argued that the approach prioritised revenue over loyal supporters, triggering widespread backlash from fan groups and football associations.

Initial prices for group stage matches were set between $140 and $265 under FIFA’s standard ticketing tiers. However, prices escalated sharply for marquee fixtures and the final due to dynamic pricing, premium seating categories, and hospitality style allocations , which are sold separately from regular fan tickets. These top tier packages, often bundled with exclusive access and services, pushed the headline price for some final match seats to over $4,000, triggering widespread criticism over affordability and fan access.

The controversy sparked protests and online campaigns across Europe, South America, and Asia, with supporters demanding affordable access for loyal fans. Many criticized FIFA for introducing dynamic pricing and high fees on the official resale platform, standard in U.S. entertainment but unusual in global soccer. Fans were particularly angered by the lack of refunds for multi-game packages until after the tournament, fueling calls for immediate change.

In response, FIFA unveiled the $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” , which will be available for every game. National federations whose teams are participating will receive these tickets and decide how to distribute them to fans who have supported their teams both at home and on the road. Each team is expected to receive between 400 and 750 tickets per match .

The tournament will be held across 16 host cities , including 11 NFL stadiums in the U.S. , three in Mexico , and two in Canada . FIFA said the lower prices are designed to “further support traveling fans following their national teams across the tournament.”

Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) also raised concerns for fans with disabilities, noting that accessible seats on FIFA’s resale platform were being sold at multiples of face value. Unlike the Qatar World Cup, companions of disabled fans will no longer receive free tickets. FSE called on FIFA to move beyond populist statements and honor its commitments to all supporters.

This edition of the World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams , up from 32, and is expected to generate at least $10 billion in revenue , making it the most expensive World Cup for fans to attend. Despite the backlash, FIFA has reportedly received more than 20 million ticket requests during the latest sales phase.