Report by Yomi Kuku and Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
FIFA faces widespread outrage over 2026 World Cup ticket prices, labeled a “monumental betrayal” by fans and groups after revelations from national federations like Germany’s showed group stage costs from $180–$700 USD and finals up to $8,680 USD, far above initial $60 promises amid dynamic pricing. The backlash intensified from Scotland and England supporters, with sales now open via FIFA’s Random Selection Draw until January 13, 2026.
Scotland Reactions
The Scottish FA detailed prices for Scotland Supporters’ Club members: $180 (£134) minimum for the opener against Haiti in Boston, $220 (£164) vs. Morocco there, and $265 (£198) vs. Brazil in Miami, escalating to $3,129 (£6,489 max) for the final. Scotland Fans’ chief executive John MacLean of the SFSA slammed the “unacceptable” dynamic pricing and insufficient allotments, urging SFA president Mike Mulraney, now FIFA Finance Committee chair, to voice global fan discontent, as costs can hit five times Qatar 2022 levels. Fans and politicians called prices “ridiculous” and “outrageous” on BBC’s Question Time.
England Outcry
England Supporters Travel Club learned group tickets start at £198 ($265 USD) vs. Croatia in Dallas, £164 ($220) vs. Ghana and Panama, with a full path to the final exceeding $7,020 (£5,228). Free Lions backed FSE’s halt-sales call, stating: “Shocking prices, above and beyond the already high costs we suspected. This can’t be allowed to happen. Match-goers across the world deserve protection from these rip-off prices”. Thomas Concannon of England Fans’ Embassy earlier decried “$2,000 for the cheapest final ticket is unacceptable”.
Broader Backlash and Context
Football Supporters Europe demanded FIFA suspend national association sales: “This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters… until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found”. Compared to 1994 US ($25–$475) and 2022 Qatar ($70–$1,600), prices exclude the cheapest tier from fan allocations; resale sites list finals over $11,000 with FIFA’s 15% fee. FIFA defended: “Pricing reflects market practice… offering group stage tickets starting at 60 US dollars, a very competitive price point”. No new comment followed recent uproar.
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FIFA has not issued a new official statement directly addressing the recent backlash over 2026 World Cup ticket prices following the December draw, but previously defended its approach by highlighting “soaring global demand” with 5 million requests in the first 24 hours of phase three sales and noting group stage tickets start at $60 USD via its platform, reflecting “market practice” and reinvestment as a non-profit. Earlier comments emphasized competitive pricing despite dynamic adjustments, with no response to fan calls for sales halts.[1][2][3]
## PMA Ticket Categories
Participating Member Association (PMA) tickets, allocated at 8% of inventory for national teams’ matches and sold to loyal supporters via associations like Scotland FA or England FA, exclude the cheapest Category 4 and use three tiers:[4][5]
– **Supporter Premier Tier**: Premium lower-tier seats, highest prices (e.g., up to $8,680 for final).[5]
– **Supporter Standard Tier**: Mid-range lower/upper seats.[5]
– **Supporter Value Tier**: Upper-tier, furthest sections at lower end (e.g., $180 group stage opener like Germany vs. Curacao).[5]
Pricing Examples
PMA prices vary by match/stage post-draw; examples from German/Scottish FAs show group stage $180–$700 USD, semis $920–$1,125, final $4,185–$8,680—dynamic and excluding FIFA’s $60 public tier. Scotland’s allocation: $180 opener vs. Haiti (Boston), up to $3,129 final max. Full public categories (1–4) start lower on FIFA.com, but PMA focuses on tiers 1–3 equivalents.
PMA allocations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup use three dedicated supporter ticket categories, excluding the public Category 4 lowest tier available via FIFA’s general sales. These are sold exclusively through national associations to verified loyal fans, with prices varying dynamically by match, stadium, and demand post-draw.
PMA Ticket Categories
Supporter Premier Tier: Highest-end seats in premium lower-tier areas, offering the best views and proximity to the pitch.
Supporter Standard Tier: Mid-level seating across lower and upper tiers, balancing view and accessibility.
Supporter Value Tier: Upper-tier seats in furthest sections, providing the most affordable PMA option.
Price Ranges
Prices are match-specific and dynamic; no fixed universal ranges exist, but examples from national FAs illustrate:
Group stage: $180–$700 USD (e.g., $180 for Germany’s opener, $265 for England’s vs. Croatia).
Semifinals: $920–$1,125 USD.
Final: $4,185–$8,680 USD.
Full paths from group to final via PMA can exceed $6,900–$7,000 USD. Check individual association sites for exacts, as FIFA confirms per nation.
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