December 15 – After a week of global criticism from fan groups and media over the sky-high ticket prices set for fans of participating nations, FIFA has responded by not commenting on the price levels but pointing to the supply and demand economics of five million tickets being requested in the first 24 hours of the third sales phase for the 2026 World Cup.
In a statement, the world governing body highlighted that fans from over 200 countries and territories submitted the five million ticket requests. Colombia – Portugal in Miami is the most in-demand match followed by Brazil – Morocco in New Jersey, Mexico – South Korea in Guadalajara, Ecuador – Germany in New Jersey and Scotland – Brazil in Miami.
Not a single England match is in high demand, but England did make the top ten of countries – outside the three host nations – with ticket applications. Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador and Panama were among the top applicants. Scotland also made the top ten.
The sales phase runs until January 13 and will be followed by a random draw to allocate tickets.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has called for an “immediate halt” to sales. England supporters will have to spend at least £198 on a ticket for their World Cup opener against Croatia. A lot of tickets for England – Panama will be on sale at £373 or £523. The prices keep increasing with the World Cup final listed at £3,117 per ticket.
In Germany, national team fans will have to spend between €155 and €430 for their team’s match against Curacao in Houston. Germany – Ecuador will cost them between €230 and €700.
FIFA also wants fans to pay upfront – even if a team does not reach the knockout phase.
FIFA’s statement simply stated: “As a not-for-profit organisation, FIFA reinvests the revenue it generates from the FIFA World Cup to fuel the growth of football (men’s, women’s and youth) throughout the 211 FIFA Member Associations globally.”
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