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.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Liberia Airport Posts Best Quarter in History

Guanacaste’s main international airport in Liberia just posted the strongest first quarter in its history, another sign that Costa Rica’s Pacific gateway is carrying...

The Story of Costa Rica’s Famous Railroad to Limón

Few stories in Costa Rican history are as dramatic, costly, and consequential as the construction of the railroad connecting San José to the Caribbean...

Costa Rica Pressured to Reveal Whereabouts of U.S.-Deported Migrants

Costa Rica’s Ombudsman’s Office has given immigration authorities 24 hours to disclose where the first group of migrants deported from the United States is...

US Tightens Visa Policy for Latin America and Caribbean

The United States announced on Thursday a tightening of its visa policy for Latin America and the Caribbean that initially affects 26 people, without...

Canadian Operators Halt Cuba Packages From June to October 2026

Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations will suspend all flights and vacation packages to Cuba from June 20 through October 9, 2026. The Sunwing Vacations...

Costa Rica Backs Panama in Escalating China Shipping Dispute

Panama announced yesterday it will sanction a Chinese consortium for alleged breaches on a canal-related infrastructure project as detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels in Chinese...

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel