Priced out: group game tix would cost fans a month’s wages in 40% of 2026 nations

January 7 – New data from independent media outlet Peripheral shows which nation’s fans have been priced out of the 2026 World Cup.

According to Peripheral’s research, supporters from 40% of countries already qualified for the World Cup would need to spend more than a month’s salary just to attend their team’s three group games, even in the cheapest widely available ticket category.

Fans of Senegal and Haiti would be looking at the equivalent of four months’ wages to see those matches, while every African nation to qualify so far faces ticket costs of at least one month’s salary.

European supporters who traditionally have fatter wallets fare better, but not by much. England and Scotland supporters who travel in their thousands would need to hand over around five days’ pay per match. This is without factoring in flights, accommodation, visas, or time off work.

As with any World Cup, ticket prices are part of the conversation. Category 3 tickets range from $140 to $265, except for games involving the USA, Mexico, or Canada, where the cheapest available seats can reach into the thousands thanks to FIFA’s dynamic pricing model. Overall, World Cup tickets are around three times more expensive than they were in Qatar in 2022.

FIFA has pointed to its recently introduced $60 Supporter Entry Tier tickets as evidence that it is listening. But those tickets account for just 1.6% of total allocation, a symbolic gesture rather than a structural fix.

Peripheral’s Research and Content Director Saul Westbrook said: “The rarity and specialness of the World Cup means many supporters will do everything to see their team play in the summer. However, our data shows that the current ticket prices will make attending the tournament financially unrealistic for many fans.”

So, what does it mean if traditional fans are priced out? The World Cup has always sold itself as a global festival, but recently it has felt like a luxury product. If stadiums are increasingly filled with tourists, corporate guests, and the global elite, the rabid atmosphere of country versus country will surely disappear, watering down the spectacle.

Will TV and the fans at home notice, or will the broadcasters tweak the in-stadium volume? On June 11th, we’ll partially know the answer.

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