FIFA introduces $60 World Cup tickets aimed at loyal supporters

Organisers of the World Cup revealed on Tuesday a more affordable ticket category in response to ongoing complaints about the costs for the 2026 tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA, the international body overseeing football, announced in a press release the launch of 'Supporter Entry Tier' tickets priced at 60 US dollars apiece and open to all 104 fixtures, right up to the championship match.

The organisation explained the scheme as a way 'to better assist fans journeying to back their national sides through the entire event'.

These $60 (51 euros) options will be set aside for supporters of teams that qualify and will represent 10 per cent of the quota assigned to each national association.

Just last week, the fan collective Football Supporters Europe (FSE) branded the pricing as 'extortionate' and 'astronomical'.

FSE highlighted that the rates are close to five times those seen at the 2022 event in Qatar.

'Tracking a team from the opener to the final would set a supporter back at least $6,900,' the group stated.

The organisation also recalled that World Cup planners had pledged starting prices of $21 in a 2018 bidding proposal.

In unveiling the $60 tickets on Tuesday, FIFA urged national associations 'to guarantee these are directed towards committed fans with deep links to their countries' teams'.

FIFA further noted that if buyers secure seats for later knockout games but their side bows out sooner, refunds will proceed without the usual handling charge.

The body pointed out this update arrives 'against a backdrop of unprecedented international appetite for tickets', boasting over 20 million applications to date.

The raffle for all ticket types in the opening sales period is due on Tuesday, 13 January.