Ticket sales policies for the 2026 World Cup have placed FIFA at the center of a controversy that goes beyond sport. Organizations, fans, and accessibility advocates have described its approach as “deeply concerning,” especially due to a shift from previous editions: for the first time, companions of people with disabilities must pay a significant price for their tickets, a requirement that did not exist before and now creates an additional barrier for those who already face multiple challenges when attending a stadium.

The issue is not only economic but also structural. As sales phases progress, complaints have emerged about flaws in seat allocation, difficulties in purchasing tickets for caregivers, and an apparent lack of protection for the rights of fans with disabilities. Investigations by The Guardian have revealed inconsistencies in the system, exposing a fragmented and frustrating experience that contrasts with the inclusive narrative surrounding the tournament.

A system that hinders access and the stadium experience

For many wheelchair users, securing a ticket for a match does not guarantee being able to attend under proper conditions. One of the main obstacles has been the inability to purchase companion tickets, even after securing an accessible seat. Cases reported by The Guardian show fans who have spent months trying unsuccessfully to complete their purchase, facing automated systems and generic responses that fail to address their needs.

This is compounded by a situation that has sparked particular outrage: seats intended for companions were put on sale to the general public without requiring proof of disability. This decision not only breaks with the logic of accessibility but also exposes fans to an uncertain experience, where it is not even guaranteed that a companion will be seated next to the person they are assisting, undermining a basic element of inclusion within the stadium.

The economic impact and criticism over setbacks in inclusion

Rising prices have intensified the discontent. According to Football Supporters Europe, fans with disabilities could end up paying up to 38 times more than at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Accessible tickets, which started at around $10 during that tournament, now range between $140 and $450, with even higher figures on the official resale market, where they often exceed standard ticket prices.

Criticism has also targeted the cost of accessible parking and the lack of regulation in markets such as the United States, where FIFA argues there are legal limitations in requiring proof of disability or setting price caps. However, organizations like Level Playing Field have warned that these factors do not justify what they see as a regression in inclusion, noting that requiring payment for companions—an essential need for many—effectively doubles the cost of attending a match and restricts access for those who depend on such support.