The rising cost of attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 is drawing criticism from long-time supporters, as prices increasingly place the event out of reach for ordinary fans.
According to a report by the Daily Mirror, England supporter Andy Milne says ticket prices have surged by an estimated 76,117% since he first attended a World Cup final in 1982.
Milne, who has followed England national football team across nine tournaments, recalls paying just $5.20 for the 1982 final. In contrast, general sale tickets for the 2026 final have reached up to $10,990, a figure he described as “the cost of a family car.â€
Speaking to the Mirror, Milne emphasized that this increase far exceeds inflation and wage growth. While the cost of living has risen roughly sevenfold since the early 1980s, World Cup final ticket prices have multiplied more than 700 times over the same period.
Beyond tickets, the overall cost of attending the tournament has escalated significantly. Accommodation near host venues is reportedly increasing from a typical $180–$250 per night to as much as $900–$1,000 during match periods. Flights to North America are also expected to range from around $900 for one-way tickets to approximately $1,400–$1,500 for round trips, depending on timing and destination.
Milne also highlighted limited ticket allocations for travelling supporters. In some cases, only around 4% of stadium capacity is reserved for away fans, compared to 8–10% in previous tournaments. He further criticized FIFA for its resale system, which reportedly charges a 15% fee from both buyers and sellers.
Despite the financial strain, Milne remains determined to attend the tournament, even putting his second home on the market to help fund the trip. He described the experience as a lifelong passion, but warned that rising costs are increasingly excluding families and younger fans.
“I’ve never seen prices so far out of reach,†he said, adding that football’s global showcase should remain accessible to supporters across all income levels.
FIFA, meanwhile, maintains that its pricing structure includes more affordable tiers and that revenues from the World Cup are reinvested into the global development of the sport.