FIFA has faced sustained backlash this year over the pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, with many supporters questioning affordability across host venues.
Earlier this month, president Gianni Infantino defended the organisation, stating they had worked to strike the right balance between accessible prices and the revenue required to support global football development.
Amid that criticism, USA Today conducted research and identified 14 matches that fans can attend for $300 or less, offering a more accessible route into the tournament.
14 affordable 2026 World Cup matches for you to watch
The list compiled by USA Today highlights fixtures that do not feature traditional football powerhouses, reflecting how pricing varies depending on global appeal and demand.
In fact, the highest-ranked nation involved in these fixtures is Japan, currently 18th in the FIFA men’s world rankings.
That said, these matches still carry some appeal, with Japan recently securing notable victories over elite nations such as Brazil and England, showing their growing competitiveness on the international stage.
Fans could also watch Switzerland, ranked 19th in the world, or secure tickets to see global stars like Mohamed Salah representing Egypt, adding further intrigue to the schedule.
The full list of those affordable matches identified includes:
- Qatar vs Switzerland on Saturday, June 13
- Iran vs New Zealand on Monday, June 15
- Austria vs Jordan on Tuesday, June 16
- Czech Republic vs South Africa on Thursday, June 18
- Tunisia vs Japan on Saturday, June 20
- New Zealand vs Egypt on Sunday, June 21
- Jordan vs Algeria on Monday, June 22
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar on Wednesday, June 24
- South Africa vs Korea Republic on Wednesday, June 24
- Curacao vs Ivory Coast on Thursday, June 25
- Egypt vs Iran on Friday, June 26
- Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 26
- Algeria vs Austria on Saturday, June 27
- DR Congo vs Uzbekistan on Saturday, June 27
Other storylines enhance the appeal, including Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presence after defeating four-time world champions Italy in the European playoffs, proving the competitive depth across the tournament.
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