FIFA has introduced a limited number of low-cost tickets priced at USD 60 (around ₹5,420) in a move aimed at making the 2026 FIFA World Cup more accessible to fans of participating nations.
Announced on Tuesday, the newly created “Supporter Entry Tier” will be available for all 104 matches of the expanded tournament, including the final. The discounted category will account for 10 per cent of each Participating Member Association’s (PMA) ticket allocation.
PMA bodies, which represent qualified national teams and oversee official fan ticket programmes, will be responsible for distributing these tickets. FIFA said each association will set its own eligibility criteria, with priority expected to be given to loyal supporters closely linked to their national teams.
According to FIFA, half of every PMA’s ticket allocation will fall under its most affordable pricing structure. This includes 40 per cent under the existing Supporter Value Tier and 10 per cent under the newly introduced Supporter Entry Tier. The remaining tickets will be divided equally between the Supporter Standard and Supporter Premier categories.
In a fan-friendly move, FIFA also confirmed that supporters who purchase tickets through PMA programmes will be eligible for refunds without administrative fees if their team is eliminated before the knockout stages.
The announcement comes amid growing criticism over ticket prices ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19. Last week, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) accused FIFA of setting “extortionate” prices that could exclude average fans from attending matches.
Despite the criticism, FIFA said interest remains strong. The governing body reported significant demand during the third phase of ticket sales, which opened on December 11 and will continue until January 13, boosted by the release of match schedules, venues and kick-off times.
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