World football’s governing body, FIFA, announced the introduction of a new, cheaper ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, following widespread criticism regarding the high cost of entry to the tournament. The initiative, revealed on Tuesday, December 16, aims to make the event more accessible for dedicated fans planning to follow their national teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Named the “Supporter Entry Tier,” these tickets are priced at 60 US dollars each and will be available for all 104 matches, including the highly anticipated final. FIFA confirmed that this tier is specifically designed to support travelling fans, acknowledging the significant investment required for international travel and accommodation during the month-long competition.

These newly introduced $60 tickets are exclusively reserved for supporters of qualified national teams. They will constitute 10 percent of each national football federation’s total ticket allocation, ensuring a dedicated portion is set aside for the most ardent followers of the sport’s biggest global spectacle.

The decision comes amidst escalating pressure from various fan groups, most notably Football Supporters Europe (FSE). Last week, FSE publicly condemned the initial ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, describing them as both “extortionate” and “astronomical” – terms that underscored the profound discontent among the global football community.

FSE further highlighted the stark contrast with previous tournaments, stating that current ticket costs were almost five times higher than those seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The organisation calculated that a supporter wishing to follow their team from the opening match through to the final could face a minimum expenditure of $6,900 on tickets alone, excluding travel and lodging.

Adding to the controversy, fan groups recalled FIFA’s own bid document from 2018, which had promised tickets starting from as low as $21 for the 2026 tournament. This significant discrepancy between initial pledges and proposed prices fuelled the backlash, prompting calls for greater affordability and transparency.

In announcing the new pricing tier, FIFA issued a directive to national football federations, requesting them to ensure these specific tickets are allocated to “loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.” This measure seeks to guarantee that the reduced-price tickets reach the intended audience, fostering a vibrant atmosphere at venues across North America.

Furthermore, FIFA addressed concerns regarding the uncertainty of knockout stage progression. The organisation confirmed that supporters who purchase tickets for knockout matches but whose teams are subsequently eliminated before those games will have the administrative fee waived when processing refunds, providing a measure of financial security for fans.

This move to introduce more affordable options is set against a backdrop of extraordinary global demand for World Cup tickets. FIFA revealed that approximately 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted, underscoring the immense popularity of the tournament despite the initial pricing controversies.

The first phase of sales will see a draw for tickets across all price categories, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 13. This lottery system will determine successful applicants from the vast pool of registered interest, marking another significant milestone in the preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across three nations.

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