FIFA has announced a staggering 5 million ticket requests within the first 24 hours of the third phase of ticket sales for the upcoming World Cup, despite significant backlash regarding ticket prices. This figure, released on January 12, 2024, indicates a remarkable global interest in the tournament, which will host 48 teams for the first time.
Following the recent draw for the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA emphasized the extraordinary demand for tickets from fans in over 200 countries. Ticket requests were enabled for specific matchups for the first time, allowing fans to choose their desired games. The governing body expressed enthusiasm about the response, but the announcement of ticket prices has drawn sharp criticism from supporter groups.
Pricing for the games has raised eyebrows, with the German Football Association revealing that tickets for group stage matches range from $180 to $700. In contrast, the final match tickets are priced between $4,185 and $8,680. For fans purchasing tickets to every game from the group stages to the final, the total cost could exceed $7,000.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has characterized these prices as “extortionate,” urging FIFA to halt ticket sales through national associations until a more reasonable pricing structure is established. In a statement, the organization declared, “This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup,” highlighting the significant role of supporters in the tournament’s history.
When the United States last hosted the World Cup in 1994, ticket prices ranged from $25 to $475. In comparison, ticket prices for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar varied from approximately $70 to $1,600. FIFA’s adoption of dynamic pricing for this World Cup represents a first, as prices are set to fluctuate based on demand, a strategy previously used in the summer’s Club World Cup.
The third phase of ticket sales will continue until January 13, 2026, with notifications sent to successful applicants in February. FIFA noted that the demand for tickets has been strongest from the three host nations, along with significant interest from other countries in the Americas.
Among the most sought-after matches, Colombia’s game against Germany in Miami on June 27 led the ticket requests. Other high-demand fixtures include Brazil vs. Italy in New Jersey, Mexico vs. Argentina in Guadalajara, and Ecuador vs. Germany in New Jersey.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding ticket requests, some supporter groups expressed their discontent. The Association of Tartan Army Clubs (ATAC) criticized the pricing as “disgraceful and disgusting,” voicing concern that many fans will be priced out of attending the tournament. “FIFA has killed the dream of our young fans, desperate to get to a World Cup,” the group stated, calling for the Scottish Football Association to advocate for fans’ interests with FIFA.
In response to the growing dissatisfaction, England’s Football Association is preparing to communicate the concerns of its fans to FIFA. Reports indicate that while they intend to voice these concerns, they remain skeptical about any change in pricing policy.
FIFA concluded its update by reminding the public that as a not-for-profit organization, it reinvests the revenue generated from the World Cup to promote the growth of football globally across its 211 member associations.
