Socceroos fans divided over new FA+ paid membership offering fast access to World Cup tickets but no guarantees.
Socceroos supporters will get first dibs on World Cup tickets next year thanks to Football Australia’s new premium membership tier.
However, there is no assurance that paying the $99 annual subscription will ensure a seat if there are more paid members than Australia’s allotment of tickets for the tournament in North America.
Fans of the Socceroos have reacted differently to the new service FA+, which is being promoted mainly as the “gateway to the 2026 World Cup.” Some are hesitant to pay a premium without the assurance of a specific ticket.
A $20 product voucher, invitations to events, partner discounts, insider material, “special access” during open training sessions, cheap tickets to Socceroos and Matildas home games, as well as Australia Cup and Australian Championship fixtures, are all included in the deal.
Members of the new program will be able to cast ballots in an attempt to obtain tickets following the World Cup draw on December 6, when the Socceroos will find out who and where they will play their group stage matches.
“Access will be based on supply and demand, and all eligible FA+ members will have an equal opportunity to participate,” according to FA.
Fans’ reactions to the new tier have been divided. “Nobody wants this lol” was the most popular remark on the Socceroos’ Instagram post revealing the plan.
Some questioned if discounted tickets for national teams would be appealing if there weren’t many home games in the upcoming year or if they weren’t held in specific cities. On social media, some were even more critical, calling the action a “cash grab.”
“Nope,” said one. refusing to pay more for early bird access alone.