• FIFA introduces $60 "Supporter Entry Tier" tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
• The tickets aim to provide affordability amidst ongoing criticism of ticket prices.
• 10% of ticket allocations will be designated for these affordable options.
• Fans applying through PMAs will have waived fees if their teams don't advance.
• FIFA faces scrutiny for previously "extortionate" ticket prices that limit access.

FIFA has announced the introduction of a small number of $60 "Supporter Entry Tier" tickets for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, in response to significant criticism regarding the tournament's ticket pricing structure. These discounted tickets are intended to make the event more accessible, particularly for fans of the qualified teams. According to FIFA, these tickets will cover all 104 matches, including the final, with the new tier making up approximately 10% of the allocations for Participating Member Associations (PMAs) managing the ticket distribution process, according to BBC, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

Each PMA will determine its own criteria for prioritizing these tickets for "loyal fans" closely connected to their national teams. Overall, half of each PMA's ticket allocation will fall within the more affordable categories, comprising 40% under the Supporter Value Tier and 10% under the new Supporter Entry Tier. Fans applying through PMA ticketing programs whose teams do not advance to the knockout stage will benefit from waived administrative fees for refund requests, highlighting FIFA's attempt to address accessibility concerns, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

This announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of ticket prices ahead of the tournament, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has publicly condemned FIFA for its "extortionate" price points, claiming that they could prevent average fans from attending. The director of FSE noted that, while the new pricing initiative is "a step in the right direction," it still falls short of addressing significant disparities faced by fans wishing to follow their teams, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

Despite ongoing criticisms regarding ticket pricing, FIFA reported robust interest in the sale's third phase draw, which commenced on December 11 and will continue until January 13. This interest is thought to be buoyed by the recent announcements concerning match schedules and venues. The discussions surrounding ticket accessibility and pricing strategies highlight a critical dialogue around fan engagement and inclusivity for one of the world's premier sporting events, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.