Record prize money for the 2026 World Cup underlines that FIFA does not need to charge “extortionate” prices for tickets, according to the head of the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).
Tom Greatrex, the FSA chair, said FIFA risked “killing” what makes the World Cup special if it failed to rethink its ticket pricing strategy, warning that loyal supporters were being priced out despite unprecedented financial rewards in the game.
FIFA confirmed on 17 December that US$727 million has been set aside for nations competing at the expanded 2026 World Cup, with the eventual winners due to receive US$50 million. The overall prize fund represents a 50 per cent increase on the tournament staged in Qatar in 2022.
The announcement came against the backdrop of continued criticism from fan groups over ticket prices for the finals, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Supporters’ organisations have accused FIFA of falling well short of providing affordable access for those who traditionally generate the atmosphere at World Cup matches.
On 16 December, FIFA said a limited number of tickets priced at US$60 would be made available for every match to fans registered with national association travel clubs or loyalty schemes. However, those tickets account for only 10 per cent of each country’s allocation per match, with national allocations themselves capped at eight per cent of total stadium capacity.
Greatrex, who earlier urged FIFA to stop “playing PR games” over ticket pricing, said: “The record prize fund demonstrates there is no shortage of money associated with the World Cup.
“More teams, bigger stadia, greater number of commercial partners – which all underlines that there is no need to charge extortionate ticket prices to the supporters who bring the vibrancy to the World Cup finals.
“Unless they reconsider the ticket pricing model, FIFA are in danger of undermining the spectacle of the finals by pricing out those who bring colour, atmosphere and emotion to games – ironically devaluing the ‘product’ to their commercial partners.
“It is not too late for FIFA to avoid the catastrophic error of all but killing what is special about the World Cup. They should act now.”
Under the prize money framework outlined by FIFA, each competing nation will receive US$1.5 million in preparation funding, plus a minimum of US$9 million simply for taking part in the group stage.
The England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) told members on Wednesday that early expressions of interest suggested there would be enough US$60 tickets to meet demand from ‘top cappers’ – supporters with the highest loyalty points – for all matches through to the final.
The ESTC said that if further applications from top cappers are received before the application window closes on 13 January, a mini-ballot will be held, with supporters and the FSA consulted on the fairest method of allocation.
It also confirmed the number of US$60 tickets expected to be available for England matches. For the opening game against Croatia, 552 tickets would be allocated at that price. The largest allocation, 632 tickets, would be for the third group match against Panama, while 600 US$60 tickets would be available for the final.
Members have been advised to submit applications by 11pm on 21 December. The ESTC has requested application data from FIFA after that date to allow it to provide clearer guidance to supporters.
Top cappers who had already applied for tickets in what was previously the lowest-priced category were told they do not need to amend their applications.
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