WORLD CUP fans are being charged to watch matches at a FIFA Fan Festival next summer.
World football‘s governing body was slammed last week when astronomical ticket prices for next summer’s event were announced.
It emerged that England fans would be charged a minimum $265 (£198) for their opener against Croatia – with prices escalating throughout the knockout rounds to at least $4,183 (£3,119) for the final.
FIFA have since performed a small climb down, with around 10 per cent of each team’s official allocation now being sold at a “supporter entry tier” price of $60 (£45).
But risking a further backlash, tickets have now gone on sale for a fan park in New Jersey.
Typically, fan parks at tournaments are free – a place to gather for supporters without tickets to watch the game.
But, as reported by The Times, daily tickets have gone on sale at $12.50 (£9.30) for an official “FIFA Fan Festival” at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
“Early Bird” tickets have been released, suggesting that the price will increase further closer to the event.
The initiative’s website states: “The FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ will be the official epicenter of the FIFA World Cup 26™ celebration—the largest, most iconic, and most visible fan destination outside of the Stadium.
“Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ will transform into a landmark destination for all match viewings, concerts, and festivities throughout the tournament.
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“A true home for both local communities and fans from around the globe, the FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ will unite sport, music, food, and culture in an atmosphere that captures the soul of the New York New Jersey region.
“For the duration of the tournament, fans can experience live match screenings, headline music performances, celebrity appearances, family-friendly programming, and interactive football experiences—all celebrating the world’s game with the vibrant flavor, diversity, and energy that define NYNJ.
“Produced by Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, in partnership with renowned event producer DPS, the FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ will stand as the defining destination of the FIFA World Cup 26™ experience in North America.”
It is so far unclear whether similar ticketed fan parks will be launched in other host cities.
Per The Times, it is also not certain whether the initiative is a FIFA one, or solely on the hosts.
New York Mayor-elect Zohram Mamdani criticised FIFA’s ticket pricing on social media.
The 34-year-old, a passionate football fan, wrote on X: “A $60 “supporter ticket” for 1.6% of seats isn’t enough. Not when FIFA just set the highest ticket prices in World Cup history.
“Thousands spoke up demanding that this be a tournament that New Yorkers can afford.
“Here’s what we actually need: end dynamic pricing, cap resale prices, and set aside 15% of tickets for local fans at a discount. The beautiful game must be for everyone.”
Upon their “supporter entry tier” announcement, a FIFA spokesperson said: “Fans of the national teams that have qualified will benefit from a dedicated ticket pricing tier.
“This has been designed to make following their teams on football’s greatest stage more affordable.
“The newly introduced Supporter Entry Tier will be available at the fixed price of USD 60 per ticket for each of the 104 matches, including the final.”
