Soccer Fans Take FIFA to European Commission Over 2026 Ticket Prices

Soccer fans have formally lodged a complaint with the European Commission against FIFA over the skyrocketing ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup . Football Supporters Europe (FSE) , in collaboration with consumer group Euroconsumers , alleged that FIFA abused its monopoly over ticket sales, calling the pricing a “ monumental betrayal .”

Tickets went on general sale in December, with prices ranging from $140 for group-stage games to $8,680 for the final . For the final alone, the lowest ticket cost was $4,185. FIFA is employing dynamic pricing for the first time at the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico , allowing ticket prices to fluctuate based on demand.

FSE and Euroconsumers argued that FIFA’s monopoly enables it to impose conditions on fans that “would never be acceptable in a competitive market.” Following fan backlash in December, FIFA reduced some ticket prices to $60 per round , distributed by teams to their most loyal supporters. Critics also cited pressure-selling tactics and a lack of transparency in ticket distribution. FSE is demanding that prices be frozen during the next sales round in April and that dynamic pricing be stopped for European fans. Els Bruggeman , head of policy at Euroconsumers, said: “Dynamic pricing turns fans' loyalty into a bidding war, inflates costs without added value, and locks out many supporters.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, noting in January that demand was equivalent to “ 1,000 years of World Cups at once .” With 104 matches scheduled, all are expected to sell out, potentially pushing resale prices even higher. FSE also criticised FIFA’s official resale platform, where tickets often exceed face value and FIFA collects a 30% commission . Ronan Evain , executive director of FSE, said: “FIFA points to unconfirmed sales figures to validate unfair practices, leaving loyal fans with no choice to pay up or lose out.” FIFA, however, told the Associated Press that it had not formally received the complaint and maintained that as a non-profit , World Cup revenues are reinvested to grow soccer globally.

The 2026 World Cup, starting June 11 in Mexico City, will be the first edition to feature 48 teams , up from the previous 32-team format , following FIFA’s expansion plan to include more nations. The move has sparked a ticket pricing controversy , raising concerns over fan access and fairness ahead of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.