No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsFIFA Lowers Some 2026 World Cup Prices Following Global Criticism

FIFA Lowers Some 2026 World Cup Prices Following Global Criticism

FIFA has rolled out a new ticket pricing option for the 2026 World Cup, setting some seats at $60 for supporters of qualified national teams. The decision follows widespread complaints about steep initial prices that left many fans sidelined.

The Supporter Entry Tier prices tickets at $60 for every one of the 104 games, right up to the final. These are reserved for backers of teams that made it through qualifiers, with each national federation in charge of handing them out. Federations decide their own standards, aiming to reward committed followers linked to their squads.

Each federation’s batch has half in the cheaper brackets: 40% in the Supporter Value Tier and 10% in the Entry Tier. The other half splits between Standard and Premier levels. Supporters whose sides bow out early get full refunds minus any admin costs.

Requests have topped 20 million in the random draw sales window, which kicked off December 11 and ends January 13, 2026. The event runs across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Complaints surged when FIFA first posted prices, with final game spots hitting over $4,000 in some cases. Reports from outlets highlighted fan frustration over the exclusive feel. FIFA added this tier to ease costs for those traveling with their teams.

As we all know by now, Costa Rica fell short in qualifiers, missing out on the tournament after a 0-0 draw with Honduras in November sealed their exit. La Sele’s run ended without a spot, despite strong showings in past World Cups like 2022 in Qatar, where crowds of Ticos turned up regardless of high expenses.

With no qualification, Costa Rican fans lack access to these discounted federation tickets. Still, general sales remain open, and some may head north for games at nearby sites in Mexico or the U.S. FIFA points to its nonprofit setup, directing World Cup earnings toward soccer growth in all 211 member groups. More than 90% of the 2023-2026 funds go to men’s, women’s, and youth efforts.

Anyone can apply at FIFA.com/tickets. The draw gives equal shots no matter when you enter. As qualifiers wrap, focus shifts to local play, with teams like Saprissa and Alajuelense building the next crop for future bids.

Live prediction market odds via Kalshi. Updates every 60 seconds.
Kalshi is available to US residents 18+. The Tico Times may earn a commission from new signups.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Pacific Expedition to Study Sharks, Mantas and Sea Turtles

The For the Oceans Foundation, working under the framework of the One Ocean Worldwide Coalition, announced the launch of Operation Peace for the Pacific,...

Costa Rica Debate Grows Over Moving Annexation Holiday

Nicoya authorities are pushing back against a proposal in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly that would move the July 25 holiday commemorating the Annexation of...

Guatemala Agrees to Joint U.S. Military Strikes Against Drug Traffickers

It is a significant moment in the long and complicated relationship between the United States and Central America. Guatemala has agreed to allow American...

Costa Rica Route 27 Sinkhole Forces Major Traffic Detours

Traffic on Costa Rica’s Route 27 remains heavily disrupted after a large sinkhole opened near Coyolar in Orotina, forcing the full closure of the...

Fonseca Rallies, Sierra Stuns as Latin America Roars at Roland-Garros

Brazilian teenager João Fonseca staged a stunning comeback from two sets down to reach the third round of Roland-Garros on Wednesday, setting up a...

Nicaragua Publishes Proof of Life Images of Detained Miskito Leader

Nicaragua on Wednesday released images of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, imprisoned since 2023 and whose proof of life had been requested by U.N. experts....

Costa Rica Tornado Tears Roofs Off Homes in Grecia; Three Rescued, Red Cross Says

Residents of Grecia, in the province of Alajuela, captured video on Saturday afternoon of a tornado-like whirlwind tearing through their neighborhood, ripping roofs from...

Keylor Navas’ Heroics Not Enough as Pumas Lose Dramatic Liga MX Final

Keylor Navas came within minutes of another major title Sunday night, but Pumas UNAM saw the Liga MX Clausura final slip away in stoppage...

Costa Rica Expands Airport With New VIP Lounge

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Airport in Liberia is moving ahead with a major modernization program aimed at improving passenger service, expanding capacity, and strengthening the...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador

Live prediction market odds via Kalshi. Updates every 60 seconds.
Kalshi is available to US residents 18+. The Tico Times may earn a commission from new signups.

Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel