New “Supporter Entry Tier” Aims to Ease Cost Concerns for Loyal Followers of Qualifying Teams
In a direct response to growing concerns over affordability, FIFA announced on Tuesday the introduction of a new category of $60 tickets for every match of the 2026 World Cup, including the final, in an effort to ensure more loyal fans can attend the globe’s biggest sporting event.
The new “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets will make up 10% of the allocation reserved for each qualified nation’s fan program, part of a wider push to make half of all team-specific tickets fall into the tournament’s most affordable price brackets.
“This is about ensuring that the heart and soul of the game—the supporters—can be there to cheer on their teams without being priced out,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “We’ve listened to feedback and are structuring allocations to prioritize those with a deep connection to their national teams.”
The allocation and prioritization will be managed by each country’s Participating Member Association (PMA), which will define its own criteria to identify “loyal fans.” Under the new structure, 40% of a PMA’s tickets will be in the “Supporter Value Tier,” 10% in the new $60 “Entry Tier,” and the remaining half split between standard and premium categories.
In a further fan-friendly move, FIFA confirmed that supporters who apply through their national PMA program will have administrative fees waived for refunds if their team fails to advance from the group stage.
The announcement comes amid pointed criticism from fan groups. Last week, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) accused FIFA of setting “extortionate” prices that could exclude everyday supporters from the tournament, which will be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the controversy, fan interest remains high. FIFA reported strong demand in the ongoing third sales phase, which runs until January 13, buoyed by the recent release of the full match schedule and venue details. The introduction of the $60 tier represents a clear attempt to balance that commercial interest with the tournament’s accessibility and atmosphere.
Similar Posts:
- NFF Offers Free Super Eagles Jerseys to First 500 Fans at Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe World Cup Qualifier
- Arsenal vs. Newcastle: VAR Transparency Trial to Debut in Carabao Cup Semi-Final
- Liverpool Fans Upset Over UEFA’s Europa League Final Ticket Allocation
- FIFA Mandates Mandatory Water Breaks for 2026 World Cup Amid Extreme Heat Fears
- FIFA Explores Playoff to Replace Club Leon at 2025 Club World Cup
