President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has defended the pricing of World Cup tickets, insisting that market forces and United States resale laws justify the soaring costs ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Mr Infantino made the remarks on Tuesday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, following mounting criticism from fans and advocacy groups over what they describe as excessive ticket pricing.
The backlash has been led by Football Supporters Europe, which described the pricing model as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal,” and filed a lawsuit with the European Commission in March.
Mr Infantino dismissed the criticism, arguing that resale listings do not reflect official ticket prices.
“If some people put on the resale market… tickets for the final at $2 million, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million,” he said.
He added humorously, “If somebody buys a ticket… for $2 million, I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke.”
FIFA’s official resale platform, FIFA Marketplace, recently listed final match tickets in New York for more than $2 million each, intensifying public outrage over affordability.
Market forces and US laws
Mr Infantino maintained that FIFA is operating within a competitive entertainment market, particularly in the United States, where ticket resale at significantly higher prices is legally permitted.
“We have to apply market rates… if you sell tickets too low, they will be resold at a much higher price,” he said.
He noted that despite FIFA’s pricing, tickets are still being resold at more than double their original value.
Price comparison with previous tournaments
Fan groups have highlighted a sharp increase compared to previous tournaments. The most expensive final ticket at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was about $1,600, while the top-tier ticket for 2026 is around $11,000 at face value.
Mr Infantino insisted the increase is justified by demand and the scale of the tournament.
FIFA reported receiving more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup, compared with fewer than 50 million combined for the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Accessibility concerns
The FIFA president said about 25 per cent of group-stage tickets are priced below $300, arguing that this remains competitive within the US sports market.
“You cannot go to watch… a college game… for less than $300. And this is the World Cup,” he said.
The controversy highlights a broader debate over accessibility and commercialisation in global football, as fans weigh the balance between market-driven pricing and inclusivity.
Critics argue that rising costs risk alienating traditional supporters, while FIFA maintains that demand and global appeal justify the pricing structure.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
