FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended ticket prices for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, citing the unique dynamics of the American entertainment market and the need to align with U.S. resale laws.
FIFA has faced mounting criticism over the high cost of tickets, with fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) describing the pricing structure as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal.” The group filed a complaint with the European Commission in March over what it termed excessive pricing.
The controversy intensified after FIFA’s official resale platform, FIFA Marketplace, listed four tickets for the July 19 final in New York at more than $2 million each.
Read Also: Inside 2026 World Cup: $11,000 tickets and missing giants
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino dismissed those figures as reflective of resale dynamics rather than official pricing.
“If some people put tickets on the resale market for $2 million, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million,” he said.
“And it doesn’t mean somebody will buy them. If someone does, I will personally bring them a hot dog and a Coke to make sure they have a great experience.”
Fan groups slam costs as ‘extortionate’ amid surge in demand
Fan groups have highlighted the sharp rise in prices compared to previous tournaments. The most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar was about $1,600 at face value, while the equivalent for 2026 is expected to reach around $11,000 (over N15 million).
Read Also: FIFA faces backlash as 2026 World Cup final tickets hit record $11,000
Infantino, however, insisted the increase is justified
“We have to look at the market. We are in the most developed entertainment market in the world, so we must apply market rates,” he said.
He added that U.S. regulations allow ticket resales, meaning lower-priced tickets would likely be resold at significantly higher values.
“Even though some say our prices are high, they still end up on the resale market at even higher prices, more than double,” he noted.
Infantino revealed that FIFA has received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 tournament, compared to fewer than 50 million combined for the 2018 and 2022 editions.
He also noted that 25% of group-stage tickets are priced below $300.
“You cannot attend a college game in the U.S., let alone a top professional match, for less than $300, and this is the World Cup,” he said.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
