A damning new poll has revealed the depth of anger among British football fans over the cost of attending the 2026 World Cup, with a clear majority branding the ticket prices as exorbitant and out of touch.
Overwhelming Public Backlash Against FIFA Pricing
An exclusive survey conducted by Deltapoll for the Mirror has found that two-thirds (66%) of British adults believe the ticket prices for next year's tournament, to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, are simply too high. The poll, which interviewed 1,997 people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland between 16th and 18th December 2025, highlights a significant barrier for travelling supporters.
The findings reinforce investigations by this publication into FIFA's pricing strategy, which many have criticised as prioritising profit over the sport's traditional fanbase. Only 11% of respondents actively opposed the notion of a future joint bid from the home nations.
Superfans Voice Their Disgust
The sentiment captured by the data is echoed passionately by England's dedicated followers. Neal Weekes, 60, an auctioneer from Greenwich, south-east London, did not mince his words. "We are used to being ripped-off but this is ridiculous," he stated. "This is the mother of all rip-offs."
His fellow fan, Fil Sollof, 60, a business owner from Loughton, Essex, argued that the move represents a fundamental shift in the game's accessibility. "FIFA has finally taken football from the working class man and woman. It's disgusting. This has got to stop," Sollof said.
Call for a Future British Isles World Cup Bid
Alongside the criticism, the poll uncovered substantial appetite for bringing the tournament back to British shores. 67% of those surveyed expressed support for a future joint World Cup bid from England, Scotland, and Wales. This public backing comes against a backdrop of England's unsuccessful attempts to host the event since their solo triumph in 1966.
Ronan Evain, Director of Football Supporters Europe, had previously warned the Mirror about the impact of the pricing, calling the decision a "monumental diversion from the history of football." He emphasised that for many European fans, the cost represents "several months of salary" and predicted a very negative impact on the tournament's atmosphere.
The 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June and July next year, will be the first to feature an expanded format of 48 countries. While bookmakers currently favour Spain, with England, France, and Brazil close behind, for many British fans, the excitement is being severely tempered by the daunting cost of participation.
