The 2026 FIFA World Cup hasn’t kicked off yet, but controversy is already piling up. After weeks of backlash over match ticket prices, fans now have another reason to be frustrated: for the first time in World Cup history, supporters are being asked to pay to enter an official FIFA fan park.
The move comes from New Jersey, one of the tournament’s host regions, and it marks a clear shift from what fans have come to expect from the World Cup experience.
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What’s changed?
Traditionally, FIFA Fan Festivals, the official fan parks set up in host cities have been free, open-access spaces. Fans without match tickets could still soak in the atmosphere, watch games on giant screens, attend concerts, and feel part of the tournament. That’s no longer the case in New York-New Jersey.
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As first reported by The Times, FIFA’s Fan Festival NYNJ has begun selling tickets priced at $12.50 per entry. The venue is Liberty State Park in Jersey City, and the ticket allows fans to watch World Cup matches on a large screen.
Crucially, these aren’t just games being played locally. Tickets are already on sale for matches taking place outside the United States, including the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.
The current pricing is listed as 'Early Bird', which strongly suggests prices could rise once initial allocations sell out.
FIFA’s reasoning
FIFA has defended the decision, saying the charge is a 'nominal fee' designed to manage crowd sizes and improve safety. In a statement, FIFA said the NYNJ Host Committee introduced the fee to - Manage capacity, Enhance safety and Deliver a 'high-quality' fan experience. According to FIFA, the goal is still to offer something 'affordable and accessible,' even if it’s no longer free.
What fans get for the money
The official Fan Festival website promotes more than just match screenings. Fans are promised:
- Live games on giant screens
- Headline music performances
- Celebrity appearances
- Family-friendly events
- Interactive football experiences
It’s pitched as a full entertainment package that reflects the 'diversity and energy' of the NYNJ region. Still, for many fans, the issue isn’t what’s included, it’s the principle.
Why fans are upset
The backlash isn’t happening in isolation. This fan park decision comes on the back of several pricing controversies already surrounding the 2026 World Cup. In recent weeks:
- Fans have complained about high match ticket prices
- Hotel and accommodation costs spiked sharply after the tournament draw
- Supporter groups have formally submitted complaints to FIFA
FIFA’s response was to introduce a new ticket category called 'Supporter Entry', priced at $60 for all 104 matches. While that sounded promising on paper, the reality was less impressive: only around 1,000 tickets per match are available, depending on stadium size. For many supporters, it felt more symbolic than practical. Now, charging for fan park access, something that has always been free feels like another barrier.
What happens next?
At the moment, it’s unclear whether - Prices at the NYNJ fan park will increase or other host cities will adopt the same paid model
But the precedent has been set. If more host regions follow suit, the World Cup risks drifting further away from its reputation as the most accessible global sporting event.
For fans who can’t afford match tickets, fan parks have always been the great equaliser, a place to share the experience without breaking the bank. Turning that into a paid event, even at a relatively low price, changes the tone.
With two years still to go, FIFA has time to address these concerns. But for now, the message many fans are hearing is clear, experiencing the 2026 World Cup, even outside the stadiums, is going to cost more than ever.