Fans at the World Cup – already subject to extortionate ticket prices – face having to pay close to £10 just to watch matches on big screens.
Traditionally fan zones, which tend to be in giant parks in host cities, have allowed supporters free entry and serve as a key part of the tournament’s inclusion.
However, a website set up for the New York/New Jersey ‘FIFA Fan Festival’, comes with a link to ‘buy early bird tickets now’. The link takes the browser to a Ticketmaster website where fans can select days to attend. And for the match viewing of Mexico versus South Africa on June 11 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the cost per ticket is $12.50. Other matches are also listed with the same price. It is yet unclear whether the decision to charge has been made by FIFA or the city itself. FIFA have been contacted for comment.
Regardless, the move is likely to trigger further outrage given its break from the norm.
Earlier this month, following the draw, FIFA were slated after releasing a staggering ticket pricing system. Should England make the final, fans would have to shell out more than £5,000 alone on tickets, with the cheapest ticket for the final coming in at an astonishing £3,119.
After widespread condemnation, FIFA introduced a small number of ‘more affordable’ tickets for every match at £45. Around 400 will be available for each England game.
On Wednesday, New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani slammed those efforts.
Sharing a screenshot about FIFA making a small proportion of tickets cheaper, Arsenal fan Mamdani wrote: ‘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.’
The website describes the Fan Festival as ‘the official epicenter of the FIFA World Cup 26™ celebration – the largest, most iconic, and most visible fan destination outside of the stadium’.
It adds: ‘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.
‘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.’
It is unclear whether fans will be charged at Festivals in other cities across the US, Canada and Mexico.
A FIFA spokesperson said the decision was made by the host city.
‘The NYNJ Host Committee has implemented a nominal ticket fee model to help manage capacity, enhance safety, and ensure a high-quality fan experience,’ they explained.
‘This approach reflects the Host Committee’s commitment to delivering a world-class, affordable and accessible fan experience in their region.
‘In addition, the Host Committee has announced a first of its kind regional fan experience to complement the official FIFA Fan Festival, creating a dynamic fan offering that is unique to the New York New Jersey Host City.’
