In a significant reversal following global fan outrage, FIFA has introduced a new affordable ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, offering England supporters the chance to attend matches for less than £45.
FIFA's Pricing Climbdown and the New Supporter Entry Tier
The world football governing body faced fierce criticism from national associations and supporter groups after its initial ticket pricing for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico was revealed. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) labelled FIFA's original move a "betrayal," while The Independent's chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, warned of the consequences of excluding the Three Lions' most loyal fans.
In response, FIFA has created a 'Supporter Entry Tier' within association ticket allocations. This category is priced at $60 USD, which is approximately £44.80 per ticket. These tickets are not additional but have been moved from the existing Supporter Value Tier category.
How England's 'Top Cappers' Can Access Affordable Tickets
The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that there will be enough Supporter Entry Tier tickets to meet the demand from eligible 'Top Cappers'. For the England national team, a Top Capper is the most loyal member of the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC), having accrued the highest number of loyalty points, or "caps," by attending home and away matches.
To qualify for this priority access, members must be on a total of 62 active caps. Caps are earned by attending England Men's Senior home and away games, and members can carry over caps from the preceding two-year membership period.
The FA states that if more Top Cappers register for matches than there are entry-tier tickets available, a mini-ballot will be introduced to allocate them fairly. The FA will consult with supporters and the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) to settle on the ballot process.
Key Application Details and Match Pricing
The initial application window for ESTC members closed on Sunday 21 December, though this was a soft deadline to help the FA gauge demand. The final, crucial deadline for applications via FIFA's portal is Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Top Cappers who have already applied for Category 3 (Supporter Value Tier) tickets do not need to update their applications. Those applying now should select the 'Supporter Value Tier - Category 3' option, which will automatically include them for consideration for the cheaper Supporter Entry Tier tickets.
The table below outlines the ticket allocation and pricing for England's confirmed group stage matches and potential knockout games:
Match 22: England v Croatia
Supporter Entry Tier: $60 / 552 tickets
Match 45: England v Ghana
Supporter Entry Tier: $60 / 539 tickets
Match 67: England v Panama
Supporter Entry Tier: $60 / 632 tickets
For knockout stages, from the Round of 32 to the Final, a limited number of $60 Supporter Entry Tier tickets will be available, ranging from 450 tickets in the early rounds to 600 for the final.
This move by FIFA represents a direct response to the pressure from fans and associations, ensuring that the most dedicated England supporters have a realistic chance of attending the 2026 World Cup without facing prohibitive costs. Supporters with enquiries are advised to contact ESTC@TheFA.com for more information.
