FIFA faces fan fury over 2026 World Cup ticket prices and resale fee
Ahead of Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw, FIFA is confronting intense criticism over ticket sales strategies that fans and media are labelling a “rip-off.” A major point of contention is the governing body’s move to claim a 30% fee on all ticket resales, a first for the tournament.
Reports indicate that ticket prices are set to be the most expensive in World Cup history, with some group-stage packages already listed above £1,000 more than double the cost of the 2022 tournament.
While FIFA highlights its “dynamic pricing” model and notes that 8% of tickets per match will be reserved at fixed prices for national associations, fans argue this allocation is minuscule given the scale of the event.
The policy has sparked particular outrage among Scottish supporters, whose national team has qualified for the first time since 1998.
They face the prospect of paying premium resale prices due to the limited affordable official allocation.
FIFA maintains its approach reflects standard market practices in the host nations. However, with the final draw set to crystallize match schedules, the ticket controversy is threatening to overshadow the build-up to the expanded 48-team tournament.
