Latest Football (Soccer) News
FIFA Accused of 'Monumental Betrayal' Over World Cup Ticket Prices
Soccer fans and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) have slammed FIFA for 'extortionate' 2026 World Cup ticket prices, calling it a betrayal of fan traditions. Prices for loyal fans via national associations could exceed $7,000 to follow a team to the final, far higher than Qatar 2022.
FSE demands an immediate halt to sales and price reviews.
Fans Urge Halt to World Cup Ticket Sales Due to Soaring Costs
Fan group FSE called for FIFA to stop 2026 World Cup ticket sales after prices for dedicated supporters reached astronomical levels, nearly five times Qatar's costs. Cheapest final tickets listed at over $4,000 by Croatian FA, with full tournament paths at $6,900 minimum.
They cite broken promises from 2018 bid documents promising far cheaper access.
England Fans Face $7,000 Cost for Full World Cup Journey
England Supporters Travel Club learned that tickets for every game through to the final would cost over $7,000 via FA allocation. Group stage tickets start at $60 but dynamic pricing pushes finals to $6,730, with resale sites hitting $11,000.
Free Lions backs FSE's condemnation of these 'shocking' rip-off prices.
FIFA Launches Third Phase of 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales
FIFA began its third ticket sales phase on Thursday via 'Random Selection Draw' for specific matches now that the schedule is set post-draw. Fans can apply for games involving stars like Messi and Ronaldo, with paths like a potential quarterfinal in Kansas City.
Remaining tickets will go on general sale later, plus a FIFA resale platform with 15% fee.
World Cup Hosting 'Curse' Sparks Debate on Patterns and Hype
Analysis questions if World Cup hosting curses are real or media hype, citing Qatar's migrant deaths and Russia 2018 geopolitics despite successes. For 2026, issues include Trump-era visa delays over 700 days for some nations and FIFA PASS fast-track doubts.
Political tensions led Iran's federation to boycott the draw over visa snubs.
Ticket Prices Skyrocket for High-Demand 2026 Matches
Group stage tickets start at $60, but openers at MetLife hit $2,000 and premium final seats over $6,000. PMA allocations for loyal fans use fixed but still high prices varying by fixture attractiveness.
Secondary resale already lists finals above $11,000.
US Visa Delays Threaten 2026 World Cup Fan Access
Unprecedented visa wait times exceeding 700 days for fans from Iran, Nigeria, and others raise accessibility fears despite FIFA's late-2025 fast-track PASS program. Denials persist, fueling fairness concerns for the US-Canada-Mexico hosted tournament.
Iran's football federation boycotted the draw in protest.
Security and Racial Concerns Escalate for 2026 World Cup
Rising racially motivated attacks in the US heighten safety worries for visiting fans from marginalized communities. Proposals to shift matches from cities like Seattle due to ideological and security issues add tension.
These clash with FIFA's plans amid domestic politics.
FIFA's Profit Model Blamed for World Cup Controversies
Critics argue the hosting 'curse' stems from FIFA's profit-driven bidding favoring wealthy authoritarian nations over ethical ones. Expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches amplifies logistical and political flashpoints.
Calls grow for human rights standards and sustainable reforms.
Croatian FA Reveals Steep Prices for England Opener
Cheapest tickets for Croatia vs. England opening match on June 17 listed at £198 ($250) in PMA allocation. Final tickets at $4,185 cheapest, prompting outrage over pricing dependent on fixture appeal.
FSE highlights disparity from standard group pricing.
Dynamic Pricing Debuts at World Cup Amid Fan Backlash
FIFA introduces dynamic pricing for 2026 tickets, first at a World Cup, causing prices to fluctuate wildly. Category 1 best seats for final reach $6,730 initially, but allocations to associations are fixed yet still exorbitant.
Fans decry ignoring supporter contributions to the event.