2026 World Cup: How FIFA Systematically Excludes People with Disabilities
The most expensive World Cup in history is taking place in the U.S., and it effectively excludes hundreds of thousands of fans with disabilities. It’s a systemic scandal that reveals what this tournament is really about: profit over people.
Vienna, April 16, 2026. FIFA is marketing the 2026 World Cup as the largest and most inclusive soccer celebration in history: 48 teams, three host countries, and over five million spectators in the stadiums. But behind the glittering facade lies a bitter reality: For people with disabilities, this tournament is not inclusive—it is exclusive. And in the worst sense of the word.
Exclusionary prices
Complaints about exorbitant prices for the 2026 World Cup show no signs of abating. But while even affluent fans are complaining about ticket prices running into the thousands of dollars, people with disabilities are hit twice or even three times as hard. Accessible seats aren’t just more expensive—they’re simply almost impossible to come by. Anyone trying to book a wheelchair-accessible seat plus a companion faces a bureaucratic nightmare. The few available allocations sold out within minutes—with no explanation, no restock, and no alternatives.
Added to this are the hidden costs: accessible accommodations in the US venues are scarce and overpriced. Public transportation in cities like Houston, Dallas, or Atlanta is often an ordeal for wheelchair users. FIFA? Refers to the local organizers. The local organizers? Refer to FIFA.
A system of organized irresponsibility
Disability organizations from several countries have already filed official complaints. The responses are all the same: They’re working on it, they take the concerns seriously, and they’ll find solutions. So far, little to nothing has happened. The British organization Level Playing Field has been documenting cases for months of fans who were left empty-handed despite trying to book tickets well in advance. Similar reports are coming in from Germany, France, and Austria as well.
The Austrian Council for Disability confirms in response to YANUS's inquiry: Several Austrian fans have come forward who were unable to obtain adequate tickets despite all efforts. Although the national team did not qualify, many Austrians want to experience the tournament as neutral fans. For people with disabilities, this dream often remains unfulfilled.
Profit Before Inclusion
The truth is uncomfortable: Accessibility costs money and generates less profit. A wheelchair space requires more floor space than a regular seat. FIFA and its partners have chosen to maximize capacity rather than prioritize humanity. The 48-team format was designed to include more countries, excite more fans, and generate more revenue. The fact that those who already struggle with barriers on a daily basis fall by the wayside is simply shrugged off.
The EU Commission has since taken up the issue. An inquiry regarding compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at major international sporting events has been submitted. Consequences? Unlikely. FIFA operates as a state within a state; its sponsors are more powerful than some parliaments.
The Two Sides of Power
On the one hand, there’s the glossy narrative: soccer unites the world, sports know no boundaries, and just being there is everything. On the other hand, there’s the reality of a multi-billion-dollar entertainment conglomerate for which people with disabilities are, at best, a PR challenge and, at worst, a cost factor to be minimized. This World Cup shows once again that inclusion only happens when it pays off. YANUS will continue to monitor developments critically, because those who exclude the most vulnerable do not deserve a platform.