The backlash against FIFA’s controversial World Cup ticket prices has made clear that soccer’s global fans are unhappy with the stark increase. In response the governing body has announced changes but not everyone will be happy with what’s on offer.

FIFA announced on Tuesday that a new tier of $60 tickets will be available for every game in next summer’s tournament. The new tickets will form a new ‘Supporter Entry Tier’ price category, reserved for travelling fans of the teams participating in the tournament.

Soccer’s governing body released a statement saying that the decision to lower prices is “designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament.”

However ESPN reports that the number of $60 tickets on offer for each game is likely to be fewer than a thousand. Given that the smallest host stadium for the 2026 World Cup is the 45,000-seat BMO Field in Toronto, a few hundred cheaper tickets will do little to alleviate the high prices for most fans.

The change is also unlikely to do much to shift the perception that FIFA - registered as a non-profit organization - is attempting the maximize profits at the expense of fans. While high ticket prices may be common for sporting and cultural events in the United States, fans from around the world may be priced out and unable to travel to support their teams, as is common at World Cups.

“The prices set for the 2026 World Cup are scandalous, a step too far for many supporters who passionately and loyally follow their national sides at home and abroad,” the UK’s Football Supporters Association (FSA) said in a statement.

“Everything we feared about the direction in which FIFA wants to take the game was confirmed – Gianni Infantino only sees supporter loyalty as something to be exploited for profit."

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