Frustration among football fans has reached a boiling point as the astronomical cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup leaves many supporters feeling priced out. The Football Supporters' Association describes ticket prices as "a laughable insult" to fans, who are struggling to afford even basic match-day travel and accommodation.
For some smaller nations, such as Ghana and Haiti, the cost of group-stage tickets is going to be higher than a month's wages in that country. Fans from these countries, like Jojo Quansah, are having to cancel their plans due to financial constraints. "It's a bit of a disappointment for those who, for the last three-and-a-half years, have been trying to put some money away in the hope that they can have their first World Cup experience," he said.
The cost of attending the tournament is not just limited to ticket prices. Flights from major cities to host countries are also becoming increasingly expensive. For England fans traveling from Glasgow, flights across the group stage would cost £1,675 each, with the lowest ticket price bracket £500 on top. Fans will have to spend a minimum of £5,200 on tickets if they want to follow their team from the first game to the final.
The ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are comparable only to those of other major sporting events in the United States, such as the Super Bowl and Wrestlemania. However, even these events do not come close to the inflated costs of attending the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA's ticket price policy has been criticized for pricing out fans from smaller nations and making it difficult for them to attend matches. The association's president, Gianni Infantino, had previously stated that football is a global event, but his words now ring hollow as fans struggle to afford basic match-day travel and accommodation.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, many supporters are left feeling disillusioned with the tournament due to the exorbitant ticket prices. For some, it may be their last time attending the event altogether.
For some smaller nations, such as Ghana and Haiti, the cost of group-stage tickets is going to be higher than a month's wages in that country. Fans from these countries, like Jojo Quansah, are having to cancel their plans due to financial constraints. "It's a bit of a disappointment for those who, for the last three-and-a-half years, have been trying to put some money away in the hope that they can have their first World Cup experience," he said.
The cost of attending the tournament is not just limited to ticket prices. Flights from major cities to host countries are also becoming increasingly expensive. For England fans traveling from Glasgow, flights across the group stage would cost £1,675 each, with the lowest ticket price bracket £500 on top. Fans will have to spend a minimum of £5,200 on tickets if they want to follow their team from the first game to the final.
The ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are comparable only to those of other major sporting events in the United States, such as the Super Bowl and Wrestlemania. However, even these events do not come close to the inflated costs of attending the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA's ticket price policy has been criticized for pricing out fans from smaller nations and making it difficult for them to attend matches. The association's president, Gianni Infantino, had previously stated that football is a global event, but his words now ring hollow as fans struggle to afford basic match-day travel and accommodation.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, many supporters are left feeling disillusioned with the tournament due to the exorbitant ticket prices. For some, it may be their last time attending the event altogether.
It's not just about the ticket prices either, flights are super expensive too! I feel so bad for Jojo and others who have to cancel their plans due to financial constraints 
. The fact that smaller nations like Ghana and Haiti are having to pay more than a month's wages for a group-stage ticket is just heartbreaking 
It's like FIFA doesn't care about the fans, only about making a profit 
. I wish they would rethink their ticket price policy ASAP!
i mean, the cost of tickets is just insane! £5,200? that's like buying a whole house 
and you're still expected to travel across the ocean to watch some footy. and what really gets me is how they're pricing out smaller nations... it's not fair to them, ya know? 
Ghana and Haiti can't even afford to go, and that's just ridiculous 
but the prices are just so high... it feels like they're more interested in making bank than providing an experience for the fans 
. i don't know man, maybe i'm just being too harsh? 
. And FIFA's excuse about football being a global event doesn't cut it when you see prices comparable to other major sporting events in the US. I feel bad for all these fans who've been saving up for years only to get priced out by astronomical ticket costs 
i mean its football but u gotta be broke 2 watch ur fave team play 
It's not just the fans who are getting ripped off, it's also the fans' economies. Flights alone are £1,675... I need to see some serious justification from FIFA on why these prices are necessary. Where's the data? Who gets to decide how much we're willing to spend on our passion for football? 
.
. £5,200 for a ticket? That's just crazy talk! I get it, hosting costs and whatnot, but come on, can't they find a way to make it more affordable?
Not cool, FIFA 
They're literally struggling to save up just to watch a game, and now they're being priced out of even traveling to see it 
It's not fair at all. And £5,200? That's like, a small fortune for one ticket 
They can't just keep pricing out fans who are already struggling to make ends meet