Just as fans were coming to terms with the astronomical ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, a new decision to charge for entry into fan parks—a free space at previous editions of the tournament—has poured fuel on an already raging fire of fan discontent online.

As reported by Times Sport on X, “First inflated ticket prices, now you’ll have to pay for World Cup fan park. Tickets are being sold to watch games on big screens in New Jersey, despite such events being free at previous tournaments.”

The argument started when FIFA’s first plan for ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup made it the most costly tournament for spectators ever. A new group of $60 tickets called the “Supporter Entry Tier” was quickly created when fans throughout the world protested, calling it “a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup.”

However, these tickets are limited; each national team only gets 10% of the total number of tickets, which is about 400 to 750 seats every match for each team. The decision to charge an entry fee, even a nominal one, for a public screening at Liberty State Park in New Jersey feels to many like the commercialization of soccer’s last bastion of free community spirit.

For the millions of people who can’t afford to go to the stadiums, the fan zone has always been a place to soak up the tournament’s unique energy. It was a lively place where fans from all over the world could meet. Now, when tickets for the “FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ” cost $12.50, that basic quality seems to have faded. And the supporters are quite angry about this.

Disappointed fans vent online about the FIFA World Cup

The global soccer community has been quite disappointed and angry over the moves being made by Fiifa. For a lot of people, the change goes against the spirit of the event. “Ugh… that’s frustrating. Fan zones are supposed to be about community and atmosphere, not another way to charge fans. It does feel like it takes some of the joy out of the World Cup experience especially for first-timers who just want to soak up the vibe without paying extra,” a fan said.

Others agree with this point of view, saying that the whole expense makes it hard to create the real tournament atmosphere. This view is echoed by others who see the cumulative cost as a barrier to the authentic tournament atmosphere, with one comment: “Shocking. Lowering the spirit of the game to depths never witnessed before.”

A different upset supporter said, “Only America can give us the worst World Cup we’ve seen before a single ball has been kicked.” Well, FIFA addressed this in a statement, “The NYNJ Host Committee has implemented a nominal ticket fee model to help manage capacity, enhance safety, and ensure a high-quality fan experience. This approach reflects the Host Committee’s commitment to delivering a world-class, affordable and accessible fan experience in their region.”

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But supporters see it as another fee on top of an already very expensive tournament. A blunt comment read, “It just gonna go down as the worst tournament ever.” The overall feeling is one of a broken promise, as this fan said, “I remember I was so excited to watch the World Cup over here, but sheesh did they ruin this sport event.”

With the fan park decision now doubling down on a commercial approach, the governing body risks alienating the very people who create the vibrant, passionate backdrop that makes the World Cup a uniquely compelling spectacle.