Fans Call World Cup Ticket Prices a ‘Huge Betrayal’
According to BBC Sport, supporters hoping to attend next year’s World Cup final will need to pay extremely high prices. BBC reports that even the cheapest ticket for the final in New York’s MetLife Stadium will cost more than £3,000, while the best seats go above £6,600.
Fans’ group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) told the BBC that they are “astonished” by what they describe as Fifa’s extremely expensive ticket prices, and they are calling for the ticket sales to be stopped immediately.
BBC Sport says that Fifa has not commented on the prices. But according to BBC, these prices are up to seven times higher than the cost of tickets for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the cheapest ticket was around £450.
Prices Vary Based on Team Popularity, BBC Explains
In a major change from past tournaments, BBC reports that group-stage ticket prices now depend on how “popular” the teams are. This means that England fans are paying more than Scottish fans for similar games. The BBC explains that Fifa has not clarified how it determines a team’s popularity.
For example, BBC notes that England vs Croatia tickets range from £198 to £523, while England vs Ghana and England vs Panama are also priced higher than Scotland’s early games. Scotland vs Haiti tickets, according to the BBC, start at £134.
Fans Say These Prices Are Impossible, BBC Says
On BBC Radio 5 Live, England fan Luke Buxton said the prices are “absolutely outrageous” and a “big betrayal” to loyal fans. BBC reports that he and many others may not even afford to attend the knockout matches.
The England Supporters’ Travel Club also told the BBC that the prices are a “slap in the face” for fans who travel everywhere to support their team.
A Scotland fan, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, said attending with his family could cost £15,000 to £20,000, making the World Cup nearly impossible for middle-class families to enjoy.
Full Tournament Costs Are Sky-High, BBC Reports
According to BBC, attending all eight matches from the group stages to the final could cost:
- £5,225 for the cheapest option
- £8,580 for mid-range
- £12,357 for premium
In 2022, BBC reminds readers that the full cost was far lower because tickets were flatter and more affordable.
This situation shows how football is drifting further away from everyday fans. Many people feel that the World Cup—once a global celebration meant for everyone—is slowly turning into an event only for the wealthy. The strong reactions shared with the BBC show that supporters feel ignored, despite being the heart of the sport.
If fans cannot afford to attend, the atmosphere, culture and passion that make the World Cup special may suffer. This could be a serious warning sign for Fifa about the growing disconnect between football leaders and real supporters.
Credit: BBC