Latest Football (Soccer) News
FIFA Accused of 'Monumental Betrayal' Over 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices
Fans and supporter organizations have condemned FIFA for setting extremely high ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, describing them as a "monumental betrayal" that undermines the tradition and accessibility of the tournament. Prices for group stage tickets range from $180 to $700, with final tickets costing from $4,185 to $8,680, sparking calls for FIFA to halt ticket sales and review pricing policies.
Football Supporters Europe Demands Halt on Ticket Sales Due to Extortionate Pricing
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has called on FIFA to immediately stop the Participant Member Association (PMA) ticket sales, citing that fans loyal to their national teams face extortionate prices that could total as much as $8,111 to attend every match. FSE criticized FIFA for ignoring the cultural significance and fan contribution to the World Cup spectacle.
Updated World Cup 2026 Ticket Sale Phase Open for Fans
Following the recent official draw of the 2026 World Cup groups, FIFA started a new ticket sale phase allowing fans to apply for specific matches with known groupings, moving from previous blind ballots. This phase, the 'Random Selection Draw,' opened December 11 and closes January 13, 2026, with successful applicants to be notified in February.
Dynamic Pricing Introduced for World Cup 2026 Tickets for the First Time
For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is applying dynamic pricing to tickets, which has caused prices to fluctuate notably above initial estimates given in September 2025. This pricing strategy has been controversial, contributing to fan outrage due to the increased costs, especially for category 1 tickets in later stages.
New Zealand Football Announces Fair Ballot System for World Cup Tickets
NZ Football confirms it will allocate set ticket quotas for New Zealand supporters for group stage matches against Belgium, Egypt, and Iran, implementing a fair and transparent ballot system. Additionally, all New Zealand matches will be broadcast live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ1 to ensure access for fans unable to purchase tickets.
Potential Quarterfinal Clash Highlighted Between Messi’s Argentina and Ronaldo’s Portugal
The 2026 World Cup draw has revealed intriguing potential encounters, including a quarterfinal in Kansas City pitting Lionel Messi’s Argentina against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal—if both teams top their respective groups. This adds excitement to the tournament's prospects.
Fan Groups Criticize FIFA Over Lack of Affordable Tickets for Dedicated Supporters
Fan groups have expressed frustration that tickets allocated to national associations, meant for loyal traveling supporters, are priced substantially higher than expected. They contend that promised affordable tickets as per FIFA's 2018 bid document are not available, igniting concerns about accessibility and fan engagement.
Croatian Football Federation Publishes Ticket Prices Sparking Outcry
The Croatian football federation’s publication of PMA ticket prices for the World Cup shows final match tickets at $4,185 each, underscoring the high costs that have angered fans. Croatia’s allocation illustrates the broader issue of ticket affordability across participating nations.
FIFA Establishes Resale Platform with 15% Fee for World Cup Tickets
For the 2026 tournament, FIFA has set up an official ticket resale platform where resales include a 15% surcharge. This measure aims to regulate the secondary market, but fans remain concerned about the overall affordability and accessibility of tickets under this scheme.
Local Club Friendly Matches Continue Amid World Cup Build-Up
Aside from World Cup news, club friendlies such as Queensland Lions FC vs. Brisbane Strikers FC are ongoing, providing competitive match play and player updates ahead of the global tournament season.