European fans file complaint over World Cup ticket prices

European soccer fans have filed a formal complaint over the high cost of tickets for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America.

Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and the consumer rights group Euroconsumers submitted an 18-page complaint on Tuesday to the European Commission in Brussels.

In a joint statement, the groups said, “FIFA holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market.”

The complaint highlights that ticket prices are far higher than at any previous World Cup. Tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 start at $4,185—seven times the price of the cheapest ticket at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

FSE and Euroconsumers also accused FIFA of engaging in “bait advertising,” “uncontrolled” dynamic pricing, “pressure-selling tactics,” and a lack of transparency regarding seat locations and refund policies.

“Dynamic pricing turns fans’ loyalty into a bidding war, inflates costs without added value, and locks out many supporters,” said Els Bruggeman, head of policy and enforcement at Euroconsumers, according to ESPN.

The allegation of bait advertising refers to FIFA’s claim last October that group-stage tickets would start at $60. After complaints from fans across Europe about limited availability at that price, FIFA released additional tickets at $60 in December.

“Football is a universal passion, but FIFA is treating it like a private luxury by exploiting its absolute monopoly over World Cup ticketing,” said Marco Scialdone, head of litigation at Euroconsumers, per The Athletic.

The groups are urging the European Commission to take immediate action and implement measures to stop these practices before the 2026 tournament begins.

The World Cup will open on June 11, with matches scheduled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

-Field Level Media/Reuters