FIFA President Defends World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Amid Criticism

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, asserting that the organization must take advantage of US laws that allow resale at multiples of face value.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, Infantino argued that the 'jaw-dropping' prices accurately reflect the demand to see the World Cup in the United States.

FIFA is facing intense criticism over its World Cup ticket pricing. The Football Supporters Europe (FSE) group called the pricing structure 'extortionate' and 'a major betrayal'. FSE filed a complaint with the European Commission in March targeting FIFA for 'exorbitant ticket prices' for the tournament.

FIFA's official ticket resale website, FIFA Marketplace, listed four tickets for the July 19 final in New York last week at over $2 million each.

Infantino explained: 'If someone puts on the resale market some tickets for the final for $2 million, first, that doesn't mean the tickets cost $2 million. And second, that doesn't mean someone is going to buy those tickets. And if someone does buy a final ticket for $2 million, I personally will bring them a hot dog and a Coke to make sure they have a great experience.'

Fan groups have contrasted the price disparity between this summer's World Cup and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The most expensive tickets for the 2022 final were around $1,600 at face value, while in 2026, the priciest final tickets have a face value of about $11,000.

Infantino insisted that such a steep hike in face value is justified. 'We have to look at the market – we are in the market where the entertainment industry is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market prices.'

He added: 'In the US, it is allowed to resell tickets as well. So if you sell tickets at too low a price, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price. And the fact is, although some people say the ticket prices we set are high, they still go on the resale market at even higher prices, double ours.'

Infantino revealed that FIFA has received over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup, compared to under 50 million combined requests for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The FIFA boss also noted that 25% of group-stage tickets are priced under $300.

'You cannot attend a college game in the US, let alone a top-level professional game at a certain level, for under $300. And this is the World Cup,' he said.

However, FIFA has struggled to sell out matches, including the host nation USA's opener against Paraguay. Seats remain available for most group-stage games, despite the steep prices. Tickets for USA vs Paraguay start at $1,120 and go up to $4,105, with many tickets around $2,000 for the June 12 match in Los Angeles. Seats in hospitality packages cost up to $6,050 each. Tickets are still available on FIFA's official website under 'last minute sales'.