As the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now 48 days away from the kickoff, FIFA’s latest release of World Cup tickets has done little to calm growing frustration among fans. Instead of building buzz around the World Cup, there is growing discontent over ticket pricing, accessibility, and FIFA’s ticket-selling strategy for the event co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

On April 23, FIFA announced another “last-minute ticket phase”, making tickets for all 104 matches available on a first-come, first-served basis. The latest release includes all three previously existing pricing categories, along with a newly introduced “front category” tier added this month.

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The move has effectively opened yet another window in what was initially expected to be a tightly structured sales process. But for many supporters, it has only deepened confusion and frustration - particularly as ticket prices continue to soar.

The most expensive ticket for the final now costs nearly $11,000, a figure that has sparked outrage among fans since the first phase of sales opened in December 2025. The latest round has further fuelled concerns that FIFA’s “dynamic ticketing” model is driving prices beyond the reach of ordinary supporters.

Why has FIFA reopened ticket sales?

Officially, FIFA maintains that demand remains strong but acknowledges that tickets are still available. The organisation says the ongoing release is aimed at ensuring stadiums are filled on matchdays.

FIFA has repeatedly stated that the “cumulative attendance record of 3.5 million”, set during the 1994 World Cup in the United States, is on track to be surpassed in 2026. However, the introduction of an unplanned fifth phase of ticket sales has raised questions about whether demand is as strong as projected.

The shift also appears to contradict earlier messaging. FIFA had previously described the April 1 release as the “fourth and final” sales phase, which would remain open until the end of the tournament.

Many fans argue that ticket costs are far higher than what was originally communicated during the bidding process. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said last month that the North American bid had initially promised tickets starting at $21.

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