FIFA President Gianni Infantino (56) defended the high prices of World Cup tickets—both in the initial sale and on the resale market—on Tuesday, arguing that they reflect the realities of the entertainment market in the United States.
In recent months, FIFA has faced fierce criticism from fan organizations such as Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which has labeled the pricing structure “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal” of supporters. In March, FSE filed a complaint with the European Commission against FIFA over what it called “excessive ticket prices” for the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Last week, on the official resale platform FIFA Marketplace, four tickets for the final were listed at an astonishing price of over two million dollars each (nearly €1.7 million). During his speech at the Milken Institute Global Conference on Tuesday, Infantino said such astronomical listings reflect the immense excitement surrounding the World Cup.
“If some people put tickets for the final on the resale market at two million dollars, first of all, that doesn’t mean the tickets cost two million,” Infantino said. “And secondly, it doesn’t mean anyone is going to buy those tickets.” He added, “And if someone does, I will personally bring them a hot dog and a Coca-Cola to make sure they have a great experience,” the FIFA chief remarked at the event in Beverly Hills, California.
Fan groups have also protested the cost differences compared to the previous World Cup in Qatar 2022, where official tickets for the final were priced at $1,600 (about €1,358) per seat, compared to around $11,000 (about €9,340) for 2026.
“They would be resold at a much higher price”
“We have to look at the market. We are in the market with the most developed entertainment industry in the world. So we have to apply market rates,” Infantino said. “In the United States, reselling tickets is also allowed. So if we sold tickets at too low a price, those tickets would be resold at a much higher price,” he argued.
Infantino also noted that FIFA has received more than 500 million ticket requests for 2026, compared to fewer than 50 million total for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He estimated that 25% of group-stage tickets were priced below $300 (nearly €255). “You cannot go to see a college game in the United States, let alone a major professional match of a certain level, for less than $300,” Infantino said. “And this is the World Cup,” he concluded.