EXCLUSIVE to 247Sports News: In a move aimed at appeasing passionate fans, FIFA has introduced a new category of cheaper World Cup tickets for the most dedicated supporters.

Outcry Leads to Cheaper Tickets for Semi-Annual World Cup

Following intense backlash from fans, particularly those part of national team travel clubs and loyalty schemes, FIFA hasORY=109D devised a plan to make the sport’s most prestigious event more accessible.

• 10% of the participant member association (PMA) allocation for each match will be priced at $60 (€51), including the final.
• The decision comes after meetings between senior officials in Doha this week, where federations expressed concerns about the pricing model.

“Demand for tickets has been off the scale, more than 20 million requests so far… Making $60 tickets available to more fans was the right thing to do,” a FIFA official close to the discussions told 247Sports News.

Early Demand Driven by High-Profile Fixtures

The Random Selection Draw period has seen high demand for tickets, with Colombia v Portugal in Miami on 27 June topping the list. Other sought-after clashes include:

• Brazil v Morocco (New York/New Jersey, 13 June)
• Mexico v South Korea (Guadalajara, 18 June)
• Ecuador v Germany (New York/New Jersey, 25 June)
• Scotland v Brazil (Miami, 24 June)

If the Republic of Ireland qualifies, they would face South Korea, South Africa, and co-hosts Mexico.

Fans’ Response: Not Enough, Yet Appreciative

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) welcomed FIFA’s move but expressed it “does not go far enough.” Their statement included demands for a pricing structure for disabled fans and companion tickets.

“For the moment we are looking at the FIFA announcement as nothing more than an appeasement tactic… We call upon FIFA to engage in a proper dialogue.”

Football Supporters Europe (FSE)