Rabat – FIFA is facing growing criticism after introducing a new ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, weeks after many fans had already secured their seats. The late change is being denounced as unnecessary and disdainful.
Over the past months, FIFA sold millions of tickets across four categories. Category 1 was marketed as the top tier. Buyers paid high prices, expecting strong seating positions across the lower sections of stadiums.
Those seat assignments arrived last week, and for many, the result was disappointing.
Instead of central or close-range views, several fans found themselves placed in corners, behind goals, or farther from the pitch.
FIFA began selling a new category just days later. It called the category “Front Category 1,” noting these tickets covered seats in the first rows of the lower sections. The difference was not only in location; it was also in the pricing.
In some cases, the cost doubled; and it even tripled in others.
For certain matches, seats that could have been part of the original Category 1 offer were now listed at much higher prices.
The frustration did not come only from pricing. It also came from how the process unfolded.
Many supporters felt that the best seats were held back, then released later under a new label.
Questions over transparency
FIFA has not fully explained the decision. The organization said earlier that seating maps were only indicative. They were meant to guide fans, not guarantee exact placement.
“These maps were designed to provide guidance rather than the exact seat layout,” a spokesperson said.
But that explanation has not satisfied everyone. Fans argue that the maps suggested wider access to premium sections than what they actually received.
Some also pointed to hospitality packages, which appear to include many of the most desirable seats at even higher prices.
At the same time, FIFA has not clarified how many “front” tickets it plans to sell or how many seats remain available overall.
FIFA has defended its approach, saying prices reflect strong demand and the scale of the event. It also notes that revenue from the World Cup is reinvested into football development worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is expected to draw record attendance and global attention.
Read also: 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices ‘Sky-High’ as Fans Face Delays, Limited Access
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