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.

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:

Czech Republic vs South Africa on Thursday, June 18

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar on Wednesday, June 24

South Africa vs Korea Republic on Wednesday, June 24

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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