FIFA has introduced a limited number of sharply cheaper tickets for the 2026 World Cup following a massive global backlash from supporters who branded the initial prices a “monumental betrayal.” The world football governing body announced a new “Supporter Entry Tier” with seats for all 104 matches, including the final, priced at a fixed $60 (approx. KES 7,740).

The move is a direct response to an uproar from fan organizations and the global football community. Initial prices for the tournament—to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—saw some seats for the final advertised for over $4,000 (approx. KES 516,000), with loyal fans facing costs of over $7,000 to follow their team through the competition. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a prominent fan advocacy group, had labelled the pricing strategy “extortionate” and “scandalous.”

A Concession with a Catch

While the introduction of a more affordable option has been acknowledged, the relief for the average fan may be limited. These $60 tickets will not be available to the general public. Instead, they will form a small part of the ticket allocation given to the national football federations of the qualified teams.

The new tier will make up just 10% of each nation's designated ticket pool. With national federations receiving only 8% of the total seats for their matches, this means the highly discounted tickets represent a mere fraction—roughly 1.6%—of the total stadium capacity for any given game. FIFA has noted that the federations are “requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans.”

Unprecedented Demand Meets Fan Resistance

The controversy arose despite what FIFA describes as record-breaking interest in the expanded 48-team tournament. The organization reported receiving over 20 million ticket requests in the latest sales phase alone. The pricing model, which included dynamic pricing common in North American sports where costs fluctuate with demand, was a key point of anger for many international fans accustomed to more stable rates.

• Initial Outcry: Prices were described as up to five times higher than the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
• Limited Availability: The new $60 tickets will amount to roughly 1,000 seats per match, split between the two competing teams' supporters.
• Fan Group Reaction: FSE called the concession an “appeasement tactic,” arguing it does not go far enough to make the tournament accessible for the majority of travelling fans.

For Kenyan fans dreaming of attending, the new price point makes a single match ticket seem more attainable. However, the immense challenge will be navigating the allocation process through their national federation, competing with thousands of other loyal supporters for a very small number of seats. The debate now shifts from price to access, questioning whether this gesture is a genuine commitment to affordability or simply a way to quiet the storm.