FIFA’s ticketing plans for the 2026 World Cup are stirring fresh controversy after several host city fan zones, normally free for supporters, were revealed to require paid entry.
Fans and supporters’ groups have expressed anger, saying the decision undermines the traditional accessibility of World Cup fan events.
In New Jersey, the official FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park has been listed on Ticketmaster with entry priced at around $12.50 (about £9.50), prompting criticism on social platforms.
This comes amid ongoing outrage over ticket pricing for the tournament in general, with many supporters already calling prices “extortionate” for matches themselves.
The backlash has grown louder despite FIFA’s introduction of a new lower-priced ticket tier aimed at addressing some of the earlier criticisms of costly matchday tickets.
Parks charge fans ahead of 2026 World Cup
Traditionally at World Cups and other major sporting events, fan zones and festivals offer free public access to screens, entertainment, food stalls and local activities. The 2026 World Cup appears set to break with this convention in some locations.
In New York/New Jersey, the official FIFA Fan Festival near Liberty State Park is charging fans in advance to enter the zone, a move that has not been seen before at recent tournaments.
Another site planned for Queens, at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, also forms part of the host committee’s festival schedule, and ticketed access may be required there too.
Fans on social media have pointed out that free fan zones help recreate the vibrant World Cup atmosphere outside stadia, and introducing a price could dampen that inclusive spirit.
Wider ticketing row adds to fan frustration
The fanzone controversy comes against a backdrop of sustained criticism over 2026 World Cup ticket prices overall. Supporter groups like Football Supporters Europe have described official pricing as “extortionate” and urged FIFA to halt national ticket sales until prices are revised.
In response to global discontent, FIFA has introduced a new fixed-price “Supporter Entry Tier” of $60 tickets for all 104 matches, aimed at loyal fans travelling with their teams.
Nevertheless, many argue that even with this concession, ticket costs, including dynamic pricing and high secondary market fees, place genuine World Cup experiences out of reach for many ordinary supporters.
The combination of expensive match tickets and now paid access to some fan zones risks reinforcing perceptions that the 2026 World Cup experience is skewed towards wealthier fans rather than the global grassroots community.
FGG Says
Fans are right to feel aggrieved by the latest twist in FIFA’s 2026 World Cup ticketing strategy. Charging for access to fan zones, spaces that have historically been free and central to tournament culture, undermines the inclusive spirit of the event.
This comes on top of what many see as unaffordable matchday pricing and an often opaque dynamic pricing system. While FIFA’s introduction of cheaper “Supporter Entry” tickets is a step in the right direction, charging for fan festival entry and failing to protect affordability more broadly could alienate many long-standing supporters.