FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the high ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, arguing that the global governing body must adapt to US laws that permit ticket resale at significantly higher prices. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino emphasized that the pricing reflects market demand and is necessary to prevent scalping.
Fan Backlash and Legal Challenges
Fan organizations have strongly criticized the pricing structure. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) labeled it “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal,” filing a lawsuit with the European Commission in March over excessive ticket prices. The controversy escalated after FIFA’s resale website listed four final tickets at $2.3 million each, though FIFA does not control seller prices. FIFA collects a 15% fee from both buyer and seller on its resale platform, meaning it could earn $690,000 from a single $2.3 million sale.
Price Comparisons with Previous World Cups
The most expensive face-value ticket for the 2026 final is approximately $11,000, up from $1,600 in 2022. Infantino justified the increase by noting that the US entertainment market is the most developed globally. He stated, “We have to apply market rates.” He also pointed out that even with higher face-value prices, tickets often appear on the resale market at double the original cost.
Demand and Accessibility
Infantino revealed that FIFA received over 500 million ticket requests for 2026, compared to fewer than 50 million combined for 2018 and 2022. He noted that 25% of group-stage tickets are priced under $300, arguing that this is competitive with US college games. However, critics have pointed out that tickets for popular US sports events, such as a New York Yankees game, can be as low as $11.
Infantino concluded by saying, “If somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million, I will personally bring him a hotdog and a Coke to make sure he has a great experience.”
