2026 World Cup Accused of Excluding Disabled Fans Amid Ticketing Chaos

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is facing severe criticism for its exclusionary policies towards fans with disabilities. This stands in stark contrast to the accessibility lauded at the Qatar 2022 tournament, where dedicated ticket allocations and support systems were in place. Fans like England's Jo McNicol express deep frustration, having previously enjoyed accessible events but now finding the ticketing process for 2026 "impossible."

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I originally was going and thinking America would be amazing, and Canada and Mexico too. I've been many times. I know you can get about, the transport is all set up, hotels, everything is accessible, so you didn't have any of that worry. But now the whole thing about ticketing... it's just impossible to get tickets

Campaigners and fans point to a series of policy changes that effectively price out disabled individuals. The absence of a separate ticket ballot for disabled fans, coupled with the decision to charge for companions who previously traveled free, creates significant financial and logistical barriers. Furthermore, the lack of affordable or free accessible parking exacerbates these issues, making attendance a daunting prospect.

Advocacy groups, such as Football Supporters Europe, are calling FIFA's current approach a "step back" that is "excluding people with disabilities." The organization faces accusations of excessive profiteering, with reports of high ticket prices, undisclosed new ticket categories, and inflated costs for resale and transportation. The cheapest tickets, often located in less accessible areas, are seemingly unavailable to disabled fans, forcing them to purchase more expensive options through resale portals, even when matches are not officially sold out.

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I just think they've priced people out. They've not restricted it, so anyone can get a wheelchair ticket, an accessible ticket. You don't have to prove you need one, which is what you normally do.

This situation raises serious questions about FIFA's commitment to inclusivity in major sporting events. The contrast with the positive experiences at Qatar 2022 highlights a potential regression in accessibility standards, suggesting that the pursuit of profit may be overshadowing the fundamental right of all fans to participate in the global spectacle of the World Cup.

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tickets in Qatar were available to fans with disabilities for about $10 and that FIFA's current policies are a "step back" that is "excluding people with disabilities from the tournament."