Supporters around the world are expressing growing anger over the rising cost of attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with many saying the tournament is becoming financially out of reach.
The Football Supporters’ Association has criticised FIFA’s pricing model, describing it as a “laughable insult” and warning that ticket prices alone could surpass an entire month’s wages in several qualifying countries, even before factoring in travel, accommodation and other expenses.
For fans from Africa and less affluent nations, the cost burden has proven especially severe. A supporter from Ghana said the situation had sparked “anger and disappointment”, noting that many Black Stars fans are now reconsidering long-standing plans to attend the competition.
FIFA released its ticket policy on Thursday, confirming that group-stage tickets will be priced at up to three times the cost of those at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The cheapest ticket for the final has been set at £3,119, further fuelling backlash from supporters.
Despite the criticism, FIFA revealed on Friday that demand remains high, with five million ticket requests submitted by fans across more than 200 countries within 24 hours of the latest sales phase.
The disparity in affordability is particularly stark in countries such as Haiti, where the average monthly income is about £110. Reports indicate that the cheapest ticket for Haiti’s opening group match costs £135, while attending all three group games would require more than four months’ earnings.
Ghanaian supporters face a similar challenge, with average monthly wages estimated at £190. Fans argue that the expanded 48-team format, introduced to make the World Cup more inclusive, has been undermined by ticket prices that effectively shut out the very supporters the expansion was meant to welcome.
