FIFA has announced the introduction of a new ticket category for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aimed specifically at loyal supporters of qualified national teams.
Under the new arrangement, eligible fans will be able to purchase match tickets at a fixed price of USD 60 per person, offering a more affordable pathway to experience football’s biggest tournament.
The initiative is designed to reward long-standing supporters and strengthen the connection between national teams and their fan bases.
Crucially, FIFA will delegate the responsibility of defining eligibility to its member associations, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and other national federations.
These associations will determine the criteria fans must meet to qualify for the “loyal fans” ticket tier and to be invited to bid for the discounted tickets.
While FIFA has not yet released detailed global guidelines, the move gives African football associations significant influence over how genuine supporters are identified – whether through supporter club membership, match attendance history, federation databases, or other loyalty-based metrics.
For African fans, who often face economic and logistical barriers when attending major tournaments, the announcement is being viewed as a potentially transformative step.
If implemented transparently and fairly, the initiative could allow thousands of devoted supporters to attend World Cup matches who might otherwise be priced out.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, increasing both match inventory and global fan demand.
FIFA’s latest ticketing innovation appears aimed at balancing commercial interests with fan inclusivity.
Member associations are expected to provide further details on qualification criteria and application processes in the coming months, once their national teams secure World Cup qualification.
