Fans heading to 2026 World Cup can now secure $50 tickets and free travel – but there’s a catch

A select group of fans heading to the 2026 World Cup have been handed a fresh opportunity to secure significantly cheaper access to matches in New York.

However, while the reduced pricing will be welcomed after repeated criticism over ticket and transport costs, there is one major limitation that will disappoint many fans hoping to take advantage.

New York offer cheaper 2026 World Cup tickets

New York City officials have announced a special lottery that will allow residents to purchase $50 (£35) World Cup tickets for matches at MetLife Stadium, with free return bus travel included.

The scheme will provide 1,000 tickets in total, split across 150 seats per match for five group-stage games and two knockout fixtures at the stadium.

The offer does not apply to the World Cup final, which will also take place at MetLife.

Applications for the lottery will open online next week, with 50,000 entries accepted each day over a six-day period. Successful applicants can purchase up to two tickets.

But there is a significant catch.

Only New York City residents will be eligible, with winners required to prove residency before purchasing tickets. The tickets will also be non-transferable and only distributed at designated bus departure locations in an attempt to prevent resale and touting.

The announcement follows wider criticism around World Cup pricing, with FIFA previously introducing limited $60 (£45) tickets for matches through national football federations after concerns over affordability.

MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host matches involving major nations, including England, Brazil, France and Germany during the tournament.

FGG says: Lower prices are welcome but many fans will still feel excluded

There is no doubt this is a positive step after months of criticism surrounding ticket prices and travel costs for the tournament.

For supporters who simply want to experience the World Cup atmosphere without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars, seeing tickets available at $50 feels much closer to what many expected football should cost.

The disappointment for many, however, will be the restrictions attached. With only 1,000 tickets available and eligibility limited solely to New York residents, countless travelling supporters and international fans will miss out completely.