The soaring ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have ignited backlash from fans and politicians, with many accusing FIFA of greed and pricing ordinary supporters out of the tournament. During the December 11 episode of BBC’s Question Time, an audience member from Paisley voiced widespread frustration, asking whether fans, especially from Scotland, were being financially shut out of the global event.
Ticket prices for Scotland’s group stage matches now range from £134 to a staggering £523, with no concessions for children. The controversial dynamic pricing model—where costs rise based on the teams involved and demand—has added fuel to the fire. For high-profile fixtures such as England vs Croatia, ticket prices also start at £198 and rise steeply. Final match tickets begin at £3,000, with premium seats reaching up to £6,615, a significant increase from the 2022 Qatar tournament.
Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Stephen Flynn didn’t hold back, calling the ticketing process a “complete scam.” His criticism aligns with statements from Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which described the prices as a “monumental betrayal of fans” and called on FIFA to halt current sales and re-evaluate its pricing structure. Many fans have voiced concern that FIFA’s system lacks transparency and prioritizes profit over access.
Meanwhile, FIFA claims ticket demand remains unprecedented. Within 24 hours of opening applications, the governing body received five million requests, with Colombia vs Portugal in Miami emerging as one of the most sought-after fixtures. Host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—lead the pack in ticket requests, followed closely by Colombia and England.
The Random Selection Draw remains open until January 13, 2026, but unless changes are made, many loyal supporters fear they’ll be watching from their living rooms instead of the stands.