While FIFA's new $60 Supporter Entry Tier addresses some backlash on 2026 World Cup prices, critics highlight limited availability, high costs for full tournament attendance, visa barriers, and accessibility issues—especially under looming U.S. policy changes.
Building on FIFA's December 16 announcement of the $60 'Supporter Entry Tier'—10% of each national team's allocation—the governing body aims to prioritize loyal fans via participating member associations (PMAs) like South Africa's. However, reports indicate fewer than 1,000 tickets per nation, with around 400 available for group-stage matches for teams like England and Scotland.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) director Ronan Evain called it 'a step in the right direction' but 'not sufficient,' pointing out that following a team to the final would cost $480 in this tier versus $6,900 in category three for comparable seats. He flagged transparency issues in distribution and steep costs for disabled fans, potentially reaching $14,000 with companions.
UK Football Supporters’ Association chairperson Tom Greatrex criticized FIFA's history of unfulfilled affordability promises: 'This seems to be a new version of that.' With 20 million requests in the ongoing lottery sales phase (December 11, 2025–January 13, 2026), demand far outstrips supply.
Further barriers include travel expenses and visa restrictions, particularly with the incoming Trump administration. FIFA notes tickets do not guarantee host-country entry (U.S., Canada, Mexico), offering no refunds for visa denials—affecting fans from nations like South Africa and Iran. Refunds are available for unused tickets if teams exit early (fees waived), but dynamic pricing is set to make the June 11–July 19, 2026, tournament the costliest ever.
