Fifa release additional World Cup tickets amid fan backlash over pricing
Fifa will release additional tickets for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday amid growing fan frustration over the introduction of new, more expensive seating categories.
Football’s governing body confirmed extra seats for all 104 matches will go on sale at 16:00 BST.
The latest release includes standard seating alongside a controversial new front category pricing structure.
Backlash over tiered pricing system
Supporters have fiercely criticised the updated categories online.
Fans claim superior seats were deliberately withheld during initial sales phases to force buyers into less desirable locations.
Prices for the global tournament have surged significantly since the first purchasing window opened in December.
The cost of attending the final has climbed from an initial top-tier price of £6,400 to over £8,140 during the April restock.
Lagging sales for United States opener
Despite massive overall demand, reports suggest a slower uptake for certain high-profile fixtures.
Only 40,934 tickets have been sold for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay in California.
The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is expected to hold approximately 69,650 spectators for the expanded tournament.
Another fixture struggling to reach full capacity is the clash between Iran and New Zealand, which has moved just over 50,000 seats.
Infrastructure costs compound fan misery
The financial frustration surrounding matchday expenses has extended well beyond stadium admissions.
Commuters travelling to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey face steep transport fees to attend fixtures.
A return train fare from central New York to the venue will reportedly cost supporters an additional £111.
