Scotland fans are up in arms over what they call ridiculous ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The backlash grew after the ticket ballot opened this week, with prices for group stage games starting at £134 and climbing to £523, sparking widespread criticism from supporters, politicians, and fan groups.
Outrage Builds Among Scotland Supporters
Fans who waited 28 years for Scotland to qualify for the World Cup now face steep costs to cheer on their team. Many took to social media to vent frustration, calling the prices a betrayal of loyal followers.
The national team will play Haiti and Morocco in Boston, then Brazil in Miami. Supporters say these fees, combined with travel expenses, make attending impossible for average fans.
One fan group pointed out that flights and hotels could add thousands more to the bill. This has led to calls for boycotts and demands for fairer pricing.
Politicians from various parties joined the chorus on public forums. They argued that football should stay accessible to all, not just the wealthy.
Breakdown of Ticket Prices and Allocations
Scotland secured a spot in the tournament last month with a win over Denmark. Now, the focus shifts to ticket details that have fans fuming.
For the Haiti match on June 13 in Boston Stadium, which holds 63,815 people, Scotland gets just 3,889 tickets. Prices range from £134 to £372.
The Morocco game on June 19 in the same venue follows suit with the same allocation. Tickets there cost between £163 and £447.
Against Brazil on June 24 in Miami’s 64,091-capacity stadium, fans get 3,736 tickets priced from £198 to £523.
Here is a quick table showing the price ranges for Scotland’s group games:
| Match | Opponent | Location | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haiti | Boston | £134 | £372 | 3,889 |
| 2 | Morocco | Boston | £163 | £447 | 3,889 |
| 3 | Brazil | Miami | £198 | £523 | 3,736 |
These figures come amid reports that final tickets could hit £3,000 or more for top categories.
Comparisons to Past Tournaments Fuel Anger
Prices for the 2026 World Cup are up to five times higher than the 2022 event in Qatar. Fans recall cheaper options back then, with group games starting around £50.
One supporters’ organization highlighted that the original bid for the 2026 tournament promised tickets from just $21. That low entry point vanished, replaced by what many call extortionate rates.
This hike comes as FIFA introduces dynamic pricing for the first time. Critics say it favors profits over passion, pricing out working-class fans who form the heart of the sport.
Recent events like the Euro 2024 tournament showed similar gripes over costs. There, some matches saw empty seats due to high prices, a fate fans fear for 2026.
Responses from FIFA and Fan Groups
FIFA reported over five million ticket requests in the first day despite the uproar. They defend the structure, saying it reflects the event’s scale across three countries.
Yet, groups like Football Supporters Europe demand an immediate halt to sales. They label it a monumental betrayal and urge governing bodies to push back.
The Scottish Football Association noted that pricing falls under FIFA’s control. They arranged priority access for members but echoed concerns about affordability.
England fans face similar issues, with costs up to £5,000 to follow their team to the final. This cross-border unity shows the problem spans nations.
In a recent statement, a fans’ network called for transparent talks. They want prices capped to ensure full stadiums and vibrant atmospheres.
Potential Impact on the Tournament
High prices could lead to half-empty venues, hurting the World Cup’s global appeal. Supporters worry that corporate buyers will snap up seats, leaving true fans at home.
For Scotland, qualifying after nearly three decades was a dream. Now, many might watch from afar, missing the chance to create memories.
Experts predict this could spark broader changes in how major events price tickets. Some suggest tiered systems based on income to make games inclusive.
Travel costs add another layer, with flights from Scotland to the US averaging £800 round-trip. Add lodging and food, and totals soar beyond £2,000 per person.
What Fans Can Do Next
Supporters are organizing petitions and social media campaigns to pressure FIFA. Some plan to contact their associations for collective action.
As the ballot continues, fans hope for adjustments before it’s too late. This issue highlights ongoing debates about money in modern football.
Share your thoughts on these ticket prices in the comments below. Have you applied for tickets, or are you sitting this one out? Let us know and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
