FIFA under Fire as FSE, Euroconsumers file complaint over World Cup 2026 ticket prices

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and Euroconsumers have filed a formal complaint with the European Commission against FIFA, alleging excessive ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to begin on June 11.

The groups claim FIFA has used its monopoly over ticket sales to set prices beyond the reach of ordinary fans.

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In December, FIFA introduced a limited number of $60 tickets across all 104 matches following widespread criticism. However, FSE argued that the move had little real impact, stating that the lowest-priced Category 4 tickets were largely unavailable by the time general sales opened.

FSE has called on FIFA to abandon dynamic pricing and freeze ticket costs ahead of the next sales phase in April. It has also demanded greater transparency, including at least 48 hours’ notice on ticket availability and clearer details on seating categories.

“FIFA holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; fair and transparent access to tickets is essential,” FSE said in a statement.

Highlighting the scale of the price increase, the organisation added: “The cheapest openly available final tickets now start at $4,185, more than seven times the cost of the cheapest 2022 World Cup final ticket.”

“FIFA’s own bid documents projected an average ticket price of $1,408, but that number has been left far behind,” FSE further stated.

Echoing similar concerns, Marco Scialdone, Head of Litigation at Euroconsumers, criticised FIFA’s pricing approach.

“Football is a universal passion, but FIFA is treating it like a private luxury by exploiting its absolute monopoly over World Cup ticketing. By imposing opaque pricing, dark patterns to pressure buyers, and exorbitant resale fees, FIFA is placing an unfair financial burden on millions of European fans,” he said.

“We are calling on the European Commission to intervene immediately with interim measures to halt these exploitative practices before the 2026 tournament begins,” he added.

According to FIFA, nearly seven million tickets have been made available for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 2026 edition will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.