FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

The president of the FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has defended the rising cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, insisting that pricing reflects market demand and existing resale regulations, particularly in the United States.

Infantino made the comments during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, responding to widespread criticism from fan organisations and supporters’ groups who argue that ticket prices for the tournament have become unaffordable for ordinary football fans.

He explained that FIFA operates within US laws that permit ticket resales at significantly higher prices than face value, arguing that this structure naturally drives up secondary market listings. His comments came after reports that the official FIFA resale platform listed World Cup final tickets in New York at prices exceeding $2 million per seat.

Supporter organisations, including Football Supporters Europe (FSE), have strongly criticised the pricing system, describing it as excessive and unfair. The group has also filed a complaint with the European Commission, challenging FIFA’s ticket pricing structure ahead of the 2026 tournament.

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Infantino, however, maintained that high resale prices do not represent official ticket values and do not necessarily reflect actual transactions. He said the demand for World Cup matches remains exceptionally high, making such listings more a reflection of market behaviour than FIFA’s pricing policy.

He also pointed to a significant rise in ticket costs compared to previous tournaments. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the most expensive final tickets cost around $1,600, while the 2026 edition is expected to see top-tier tickets priced at approximately $11,000 at face value.

Despite the controversy, Infantino noted that around 25% of group-stage tickets have been priced under $300, which he said ensures some level of affordability for a wider range of fans.

He further revealed that FIFA received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup, far exceeding previous tournaments. According to him, this unprecedented demand justifies a tiered pricing system designed to balance accessibility with revenue generation.

Infantino also compared World Cup pricing to major sporting events in the United States, arguing that even college sports tickets can exceed $300, reinforcing his view that the tournament is priced within the global entertainment market.

Despite FIFA’s defence, critics continue to warn that rising costs could exclude ordinary supporters from attending football’s biggest event, as debates over affordability and accessibility intensify ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices