German Fans Face Sky-High Ticket Prices and Limited Access for 2026 FIFA World Cup

As the ticket application process opens for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, German fans are confronting sharply increased ticket prices and limited ticket availability for their national team’s matches across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. According to the German Football Association (DFB), the minimum ticket prices for Germany's group stage matches are set at €155 for the first game against Curacao, €190 for the second against Ivory Coast, and €220 for the third versus Ecuador, resulting in a total cost exceeding €600 for the cheapest seats to all three games.

The ticket distribution is managed solely through FIFA's official ticket portal, where German fan club members receive "Access Codes" to apply before the January 13 deadline. The DFB has been allocated eight percent of tickets per game for fan blocks, but supporters face challenges amid concerns about affordability. Furthermore, tickets for the knockout round must be purchased in advance, regardless of whether Germany qualifies, with single ticket prices for the semifinals starting at €790 and a staggering €3,580 for entry to the final’s cheapest seats.

Fan organizations like Football Supporters Europe (FSE) have criticized these "horrendous ticket prices," calling for FIFA to halt ticket sales through national associations and review pricing policies. They argue the lowest ticket category excludes many loyal fans, betraying the World Cup’s inclusive traditions. Meanwhile, FIFA maintains the revenue will be reinvested into football development globally and emphasizes that close to two million tickets have already been sold during the initial sales phases. FIFA also operates an official resale platform, where prices may surge further with a 15% commission fee applied to both buyers and sellers.

With the 2026 World Cup projected to be the largest ever held, FIFA President Gianni Infantino touts the event as bigger and more politically significant than previous tournaments. However, German fans are bracing for the high financial burden involved in supporting their team on the world’s biggest stage, igniting debates about accessibility and fairness in ticket pricing.