In a significant climbdown following a fierce backlash, FIFA has been forced to introduce a new budget ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, with the Football Association moving swiftly to allocate them to England's most devoted followers.
FIFA's Pricing U-Turn After Fan Fury
Football's global governing body faced widespread condemnation last week after revealing its ticket pricing structure for the upcoming tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Supporters were left stunned by the costs, with the cheapest ticket for England's opening match against Croatia in Dallas priced at a steep £200. The most affordable seat for the final in New Jersey was set at an astonishing over £4,000.
This outcry prompted urgent meetings over the weekend and into this week with senior officials in Doha. The pressure yielded results on Tuesday, with FIFA announcing a new 'Supporter Entry Tier' of tickets, priced at just £45 (or $60). A FIFA official involved stated: "We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do. Making $60 tickets available to more fans, including the most loyal ones who travel, was agreed on unanimously."
FA's Plan for England's 'Top Cappers'
The Football Association has now clarified exactly how these discounted tickets will be distributed to England fans. FIFA is providing each participating nation with an unspecified number of these tickets, believed to be roughly 10 per cent of their total allocation.
The FA will reserve its share for members of the England Supporters Travel Club classified as 'Top Cappers' – those with a total of 62 active caps. In a statement released on Wednesday, the FA confirmed: "Based on our initial registration of interest, we will have enough ‘Supporter Entry Tier’ tickets to meet the demand of Top Cappers who applied for each match."
However, the process includes contingency plans. If more Top Cappers register before the deadline of Tuesday, January 13, a 'mini ballot' will be held. Conversely, if there are more tickets than eligible supporters, another ballot will ensure all the budget tickets are used.
Record Prize Fund and Ongoing Concerns
The ticket controversy unfolded alongside FIFA's announcement of a record-breaking prize pot for the 2026 tournament. Approved at the Doha meeting, the total fund for competing nations will be a staggering £545 million – a 50 per cent increase on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The winning team alone will pocket £37.5 million.
Despite the new budget tier, concerns persist about the overall affordability and the unique market challenges of the US, where secondary ticket platforms are prevalent. The FA has warned supporters in an email, seen by Daily Mail Sport, "not to cancel any applications at this stage" as the allocation process is finalised.
This move represents a partial victory for fan groups who protested the initial exorbitant costs, ensuring that at least a portion of England's most loyal travelling support will have access to the game's biggest spectacle without facing financial ruin.
