FIFA reports that since the latest ticketing phase began on Thursday, more than five million requests have been submitted for the 2026 World Cup. Fans from more than 200 nations have expressed interest, with the group-stage fixture between Colombia and Portugal in Miami on 27 June emerging as the most popular match.

Despite the high demand, the tournament’s ticket prices have drawn criticism. The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) described the pricing as “scandalous,” highlighting that group-stage tickets can cost up to three times more than they did for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

For the final, the most affordable ticket will be £3,119, prompting concerns that fans may be priced out of the event. The FSA has joined Football Supporters Europe (FSE) in calling for a pause in ticket sales to allow fan groups to negotiate with FIFA over the cost structure.

Associations urged to challenge pricing

The FSA has called on national football associations to speak up on behalf of their supporters. “We call on all national associations to stand up for your supporters, without whom there would be no professional game,” the group stated. The Football Association (FA) will engage with FIFA to convey the concerns of England fans.

FIFA has not responded publicly to the criticism. Both the FA and the Scottish FA have yet to comment directly on ticket costs. The FA is reportedly aware of the anger among fans and intends to raise these concerns at upcoming discussions with FIFA.

FA chair Debbie Hewitt is expected to attend a FIFA Council meeting in Doha next week. Hewitt has previously opposed dynamic ticket pricing and confirmed it will not be implemented at Euro 2028, which the UK and Ireland will co-host.

Rising prices and popular matches

Ticket prices for next year’s World Cup have seen significant increases. Group-stage tickets for matches such as England v Croatia and Scotland v Brazil now cost around £198, £373, or £523, compared with Qatar 2022 prices of £68.50, £164.50, or £219. The cost for later stages rises sharply, with quarter-final tickets ranging from £507 to £1,073 and semi-finals from £686 to £2,363.

The cheapest final ticket will cost £3,119, more than seven times the lowest price in Qatar. There are no discounts for children or other groups, according to the official allocation.

FIFA insiders maintain that prices reflect the US market and are intended to fund football development worldwide. President Gianni Infantino has also pledged record revenues, with the event expected to be the most financially lucrative sports tournament ever.

So far, the matches attracting the most ticket requests after Colombia v Portugal include Brazil v Morocco (New Jersey, 13 June), Mexico v South Korea (Guadalajara, 18 June), Ecuador v Germany (New Jersey, 25 June), and Scotland v Brazil (Miami, 24 June). FIFA says the bulk of requests have come from host nations, followed by Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France, and Panama.