Rio Ferdinand comes under fire as fans criticize FIFA over high-cost tickets for England games at World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico

For England supporters dreaming of following their team at the next World Cup, the reality is a painful one: tickets are far more expensive than anyone anticipated.

What was promised as an accessible experience for fans now comes with a hefty price tag, leaving many questioning whether attending is even possible.

From $21 Dreams to $220 Reality

When the host nations submitted their bid in 2018, fans were told tickets could start from $21 (£15.69).

Fast forward to today, and the cheapest seats for England’s group matches against Ghana and Panama are priced at $220 (£164)—a stark contrast to the original projections.

The low-cost numbers were always presented as estimates in the bid book, but fans feel blindsided by the dramatic increase.

Rio Ferdinand’s Words Stir Controversy

Adding to the backlash, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand faced criticism after appearing alongside FIFA at the tournament draw.

Ferdinand, who described himself as a “man of the people,” insisted that FIFA was trying to make the event accessible.

However, fans point out that reality does not match the rhetoric, highlighting the massive ticket costs as evidence.

It’s important to note that Ferdinand does not set ticket prices—criticism comes largely from his association with FIFA during the draw.

Nevertheless, his words have done little to calm frustrated supporters.

Fans and Groups Cry Foul

Fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has labelled FIFA’s pricing policy a “monumental betrayal.”

In a statement, they called on FIFA to halt ticket sales, arguing that costs are “extortionate” and alienate the most dedicated supporters.

Social media has been alive with complaints.

One England fan tweeted: “Rio, is $4,185 for the cheapest final ticket available to travel club members ‘accessible’?” Another lamented: “It’s become a corporate gig. For the few, not the many.”

Dynamic Pricing Sparks Concerns

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA has introduced dynamic pricing, meaning ticket costs can fluctuate depending on demand.

While the system is designed to match high-demand games with a “super-elite product,” it has left fans facing astronomical expenses for the matches they want to see most.

The High Cost of Following England

For English supporters, the numbers are eye-watering.

Attending all eight possible games could set fans back $6,822 (£5,100)—roughly five times the cost of following the team in Qatar in 2022.

Choosing the most expensive regular seats on the way to the final could reach a staggering $16,590 (£12,403).

Tier four tickets, the cheapest for residents of the host nation, are unavailable to overseas fans.

This means England supporters may have no choice but to buy higher-tier seats than they would ideally like.

For the final, the least expensive option for England fans is $4,185 (£3,127), compared with a projected $128 (£95.66) back in 2018.

Fans Demand Action

FSE is calling on FIFA to rethink ticket pricing.

“This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup,” they said.

“Supporters are the backbone of the spectacle.

FIFA must consult all impacted parties and review ticket prices to find a solution that respects the universality and cultural significance of football’s biggest tournament.”