Some matches will now be available for as little as $60, a stark contrast to earlier pricing that had angered fans worldwide. Even the final, which previously cost $4,185, will now be more accessible to loyal supporters.

The international football governing body stated that these lower priced tickets, labeled the ‘Supporter Entry Tier,’ will be allocated to national football federations.

These federations will prioritize fans who have consistently supported their teams in both home and away matches. Each team will have between 400 to 750 tickets per match at this reduced price.

The tournament will be hosted across 16 cities in North America, 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

FIFA has not fully explained the sudden policy change but emphasized that the discounted tickets aim to reward dedicated fans who travel with their national teams throughout the tournament.

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) praised the move as a response to mounting criticism but warned that it also highlights FIFA’s hasty and unconsulted ticketing decisions. ‘This is proof that the original pricing was poorly planned and disconnected from the fans,’ the organization said.

This World Cup will be historic, featuring 48 teams for the first time, up from 32 in previous editions. FIFA expects the tournament to generate at least $10 billion in revenue.

Despite the discounts, many fans will still face higher costs than in past World Cups, making it one of the most expensive tournaments in history.

When initial ticket prices were announced, fans expressed outrage over the lack of affordable options, particularly for group stage matches. Early pricing for these matches ranged from $140 to $265, while games featuring stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil, or England were placed in the highest price tiers.

In a further concession, FIFA announced that refunds requested by July 19, following the final, will not incur administrative fees. However, concerns remain for disabled fans.

FSE highlighted that tickets reserved for persons with disabilities on FIFA’s resale platform are often sold at inflated prices, and there is no guarantee they will reach those who need them most. Unlike the Qatar World Cup, supporters accompanying disabled fans will not receive free tickets this time.

FSE called on FIFA to move beyond statements and take concrete action, ensuring promises to fans, particularly those with disabilities, are truly honored.