2026 World Cup There is not much time left for the grand event of world football to begin. In just six months, the 2026 World Cup will begin. The excitement of the fans surrounding the biggest event in the world of football is always at its peak. Football fans have already started buying tickets to support their countries on the world stage and to enjoy the games of their favourite stars from the gallery. However, a major setback has occurred amidst this frenzy. 2026 World Cup ticket prices।
Ticket sales for this year’s World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, have been met with intense criticism worldwide. European fans in particular are disappointed and angry at the high ticket prices. They see FIFA’s decision as a ‘terrible betrayal’ of ordinary fans. In today’s long article, we will discuss the ticket sales process, the statistics of skyrocketing prices and why fans are taking FIFA to task.
Third phase of 2026 World Cup ticket sales: Random selection draw
Getting tickets for the World Cup is as difficult as finding a golden deer. To make the process smooth, FIFA sells tickets in different stages. Starting yesterday, the FIFA World Cup 2026, the third and final stage of ticket sales for FIFA has been named the ‘Random Selection Draw’.
The main goal of this process is to distribute tickets through a lottery due to the high demand. According to FIFA’s announcement, this phase will continue until January 13, 2026. That is, fans don’t have much time. Those interested in purchasing tickets will have to go through a specific process now.
How to apply?
To get tickets, fans need to log in to FIFA’s official ticketing website. The process is as follows: 1. First, you need to sign up by creating a ‘FIFA ID’. 2. Then, you need to ‘sign in’ to the ID and apply for tickets for the specific matches of your choice. 3. After the application process is complete, FIFA will organise a lottery or draw in February.
This lottery will determine who will get the tickets. Some may get all the tickets they want, while others may get fewer tickets than they applied for. Those who win the lottery will have their ticket price automatically deducted from their accounts. This is a completely luck-based process, which makes fans even more worried.
High ticket prices: The main reason for fans’ anger
While there are not many problems with the 2026 World Cup ticket application process, a major obstacle has been identified. Ticket price: The ticket prices for this year’s tournament have broken all previous records. Ordinary football fans fear that, due to such high prices, middle-class and ordinary-income supporters will be deprived of the right to sit in the stadium and watch the game.
Football fans in Europe, in particular, are not able to accept this. According to them, football is a universal game, and its main lifeblood is the general public. But the ticket prices set by FIFA are beyond the reach of the general public.
FIFA’s promises vs. reality
The biggest point of contention is the huge gap between FIFA’s previous promises and the current reality. World football’s top governing body once said that World Cup tickets were only $60. Seven years ago, when the United States was in the running to host the World Cup, U.S. soccer officials set a goal of selling more than 700,000 tickets, priced at $21, for the tournament’s opening matches.
But the current reality is completely different. FIFA’s duplicity and broken promises have fueled the anger of fans. The promised $60 tickets are now almost gone, replaced by tickets costing hundreds of dollars.
Ticket prices in the mirror of statistics: a detailed analysis
According to FIFA rules, 8 per cent of the total ticket sales for each match are allocated to the national football associations or federations of the two participating countries. The aim is for each team to get its most dedicated and loyal fans into the stands. But even this 8 per cent of ticket prices is out of reach this time.
The German Football Federation (DFB) recently released a price list for its fans, which is eye-popping. Let’s take a look at some of the important details in the list:
- Group stage matches:Ticket prices for general group stage matches are starting to go up.180 dollars, which is the highest, and 700 dollars. Which, when you think about it in Bangladeshi currency, is a huge shock for ordinary tourists.
- Final match:Anyone would be shocked to hear the ticket prices for the World Cup final match. The lowest ticket prices have been set for the final $4,185, and the highest price is $8,680.
These statistics clearly show that it is natural to question whether this year’s World Cup is going to be just a means of entertainment for the rich.
Qatar World Cup 2022 vs 2026: Cost comparison
Ticket prices were also discussed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but the 2026 edition has surpassed that many times over. The England Football Association (FA) on Thursday evening released ticket details for members of its ‘England Supporters Travel Club’.
It was found that if an England fan wanted to watch every match of their team from the first match to the final, they would only have to spend money on tickets. More than 7 thousand dollars।
- Comparative image:This cost is almost the same as the 2022 Qatar World Cup.Five times more।
- Experts believe that a 500% increase in ticket prices in just four years is not in any way part of a normal economy.
Strong reaction from Football Supporters Europe (FSE)
European football supporters’ association, Football Supporters Europe (FSE), has taken a strong stand against this situation. They have called the current ticket prices ‘exorbitant’.
In an official statement, the FSE said:
“This is a great betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup. FIFA is completely ignoring the contribution of the fans who spend their own pocket money, travel thousands of miles to bring this great festival to life in the galleries.”
The organisation also demanded that the sale of these high-priced tickets through national associations be stopped immediately. They demanded a solution from FIFA that respects the tradition, universality and cultural values of the World Cup. In their opinion, ticket sales should be suspended until a solution is found.
Future implications: Is football becoming just a game for the rich?
With the 2026 World Cup being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, travel and accommodation costs will already be high. On top of that, the skyrocketing ticket prices have become a ‘sore blow to the spine’ for ordinary fans.
According to analysts, if FIFA does not move away from its commercialisation policy, it will be difficult to find true football fans in the galleries of future World Cups. The galleries will be occupied only by corporate and wealthy spectators, which could damage the true passion of football.
Key Highlights
- Application Deadline:Applications for the ‘Random Selection Draw’ will continue until January 13, 2026.
- Group stage tickets:Minimum $180 to maximum $700.
- Final tickets:From a minimum of $4,185 to a maximum of $8,680.
- Cost increase:Ticket prices have increased almost 5 times compared to the Qatar World Cup.
- Supporters demand:Immediately stop selling tickets through the National Association and reduce prices.
- FIFA’s breach of promise:FIFA failed to keep its promise of $60 or $21 tickets.
FAQ
1. How can I apply for tickets for the 2026 World Cup?
Answer: You need to create a ‘FIFA ID’ by visiting FIFA’s official website and applying for a specific match by January 13, 2026.
2. Are tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis?
Answer: No, the current phase is a ‘Random Selection Draw’. That is, the ticket winner will be determined by drawing lots among the applicants.
3. What is the maximum price of a ticket for the World Cup final match?
Answer: According to published information, the highest price of a ticket for the final match is $8,680 (approximately more than 1 million taka).
4. What is the cheapest ticket for the group stage?
Answer: According to the German Football Federation, group stage tickets start at $180.
5. What are the fans’ main complaints against FIFA?
Answer: The main complaint of the fans is that FIFA has broken their previous promise to provide tickets at low prices and has pushed the ticket prices out of reach of the general public.
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Conclusion
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the biggest tournament in football history, with 48 teams taking part. But this massive event is now skyrocketing ticket prices. A dark shadow has fallen. FIFA may be planning to profit commercially, but if the main driving force of football—the ordinary fans—is missing from the galleries, the World Cup will lose much of its charm.
Only time will tell whether the outcry from European fans and the FSE’s protest will force FIFA to reconsider its decision. But it is clear that for ordinary football fans, watching the 2026 World Cup has become a distant dream. The entire football world is now looking to the outcome of the draw and the next steps after January 13.
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