Tonight, FIFA will host the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving supporters basic clarity on who their national teams will face next summer and in which cities. Beyond that, however, almost nothing is certain. Major questions remain unanswered on serious human rights concerns, including the tournament’s security doctrine, and on how far FIFA intends to exploit supporters through its dynamic ticket pricing policy.
Human Rights Concerns
As FIFA stages its draw and even hands out its self-serving “Peace Prize”, it will leave unaddressed several serious human rights issues surrounding this tournament. As highlighted by the Sports & Rights Alliance’s statement, co-signed by FSE, many supporters will watch the draw wondering whether they will even be permitted to enter the United States, or how safely and fairly they will be treated once there. With only 200 days to go, there are still very little guarantees on entry procedures, freedom of speech, and the treatment of vulnerable groups; from local communities to traveling LGBT+ supporters, among others.
The 2026 hosting bid included explicit human rights commitments. The deteriorating human rights situation in the US calls those commitments sharply into question. Supporters deserve guarantees, not vague assurances, to make an informed decision whether to travel to the World Cup or stay home. At present, they have none. And a growing number of football fans are giving up on their dream to attend the tournament.
Dynamic Ticket Pricing & Organised Black Market
Equally alarming is the complete lack of clarity around ticket prices and categorisations. FIFA is imposing dynamic ticket pricing on the vast majority of tickets, meaning that ordinary supporters will be exposed to demand-driven price surges and exploitative practices.
And while FIFA confirmed a ringfenced allocation of 8% per participating member association, it will still cost loyal fans a minimum of 4,700USD to follow their team up to the final – an all-time record. Fans are facing the choice of taking huge financial risks to back their team or stay at home, as highlighted by the Fans’ Embassies of England and Scotland.
Meanwhile, the much-touted 60USD cat 4 tickets already climbed by 30% before the draw even started. And their very existence is still subject to caution, as only a handful of tickets have been released at this stage.
Ultimately, a significant number of the tickets available to the general public will end up on FIFA’s own resale platform. By choosing not to impose a ceiling and allowing ticketholders to set resale prices way above the tickets’ face value, FIFA has essentially created the very-first legal black market in the history of our sport.
FIFA made the choice to wring every possible cent from loyal supporters. As we stated in our recent joint letter to FIFA with Euroconsumers, such ticketing policy has no place in football. The World Cup is not just another entertainment product. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for millions of loyal, match-going fans around the world, that are being priced out in the name of greed.
A Game with No Rules
From the FIFA-sanctioned black market to the Trump administration threats to change some of the host cities, from the long-forgotten promises of the “UNITED 2026” bid to the decision to ban entire nations from entering the US, the overwhelming feeling amongst traveling fans is one of uncertainty.
Every international sporting event is based on a set of rules. On the pitch like in the stands. When it comes to supporters, FIFA has failed to set clear rules of the game, leaving every supporter in the world to wonder: “Is it safe for me to travel to the World Cup?”
Ahead of tonight’s draw, FSE’s Executive Director, Ronan Evain said: “We remain extremely concerned by the all-round lack of clarity and the profit-driven approach that has guided FIFA until now. Never in the history of the tournament have fans been expected to take such huge financial risks to follow their team with such little certainty on what to expect in return.
“FIFA should lead by example and set clear pricing guidelines to reassure fans and acknowledge their contribution to the game. It had full control over its ticketing policy and yet made a conscious decision to set record high prices. It also must ensure all fans are safe and feel welcome when attending. It’s still not too late for FIFA to do right by all attending the tournament.”