Ticket pricing for major international tournaments is back under the spotlight, but fans may finally have some good news.
While costs continue to rise sharply for the 2026 World Cup, UEFA appears to be taking a very different approach for its next showpiece event in two years.
UEFA announces Euro 2028 ticket price freeze amid rising 2026 World Cup costs
UEFA is planning to freeze the majority of ticket prices for Euro 2028, keeping them broadly in line with Euro 2024 levels.
That means the cheapest “Fans First” tickets are expected to remain around £26, with the next tier priced at roughly £52, which are figures designed to keep matches accessible to everyday supporters.
Organisers are also aiming for a significant portion of tickets to fall within these lower brackets, with more than 40% (potentially over 1.2 million tickets) expected to be available at these prices across the tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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The approach stands in stark contrast to FIFA and its pricing model for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For that tournament, ticket prices have surged dramatically, with some group-stage matches costing up to £2,050 at the top end, while final tickets at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium could reach nearly £6,000.
Criticism has been widespread, with concerns raised over dynamic pricing, limited availability of cheaper tickets, and additional resale fees, all contributing to what many see as an increasingly expensive experience for supporters.
UEFA is still expected to increase prices for premium and hospitality packages, potentially introducing new high-end categories, but its core offering appears focused on maintaining affordability.
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This is exactly the kind of approach supporters have been crying out for.
At a time when the cost of following football is spiralling, UEFA’s decision to hold prices steady feels like a conscious effort to keep fans at the heart of the game.
The comparison with the World Cup is hard to ignore. While FIFA maximises revenue in a high-demand market, UEFA seems to be striking a better balance between commercial success and accessibility.
It won’t solve every issue, as travel and accommodation will still be expensive, but affordable ticket pricing is a huge step in the right direction.
For once, it feels like fans are being treated as more than just customers.