FIFA President Gianni Infantino Defends World Cup Ticket Prices Amid Criticism
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing of tickets for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, amid widespread criticism from fans and football organizations.

The ticket pricing structure has been described as “scandalous” by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), with group-stage tickets reportedly up to three times more expensive than those for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The cheapest ticket for the final, scheduled in New Jersey, has been priced at a staggering £3,119.

Infantino Highlights Unprecedented Demand

Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino explained that the high prices reflect the extraordinary demand for the tournament.
“We have six to seven million tickets on sale, and in 15 days we received 150 million ticket requests,” he said.
“So 10 million ticket requests every single day. It shows how powerful the World Cup is.”

Infantino emphasized that the sheer scale of requests is unprecedented in the history of the tournament:
“In almost 100 years of the World Cup, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total. So, in two weeks, we could have filled 300 years of World Cups. Imagine that. This is absolutely crazy.”

Introduction of More Affordable Tickets

Following criticism of the initial ticket release, FIFA has introduced a limited number of more affordable £45 tickets for all 104 matches. A FIFA official stated, “We have listened to feedback, and this new category is the right thing to do.”

Revenues to Be Reinvested in Global Football

Infantino also defended the purpose of the revenue generated from ticket sales, stressing that funds would be reinvested into football worldwide.
“Without FIFA, there would be no football in 150 countries in the world,” he said.
“There is football because, and thanks to, these revenues we generate from the World Cup, which we reinvest all over the world.”

The statement underscores FIFA’s commitment to using World Cup revenues to support football development programs, youth training, and grassroots initiatives across all member nations.

Public Reaction and Controversy

Despite FIFA’s explanations, criticism from fans and organizations continues. Many supporters argue that ticket prices are prohibitively high, limiting accessibility for everyday football fans. FIFA’s introduction of cheaper tickets is seen as a step toward inclusivity, but debates about affordability and fan access are expected to continue in the lead-up to the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the most widely attended and highly anticipated tournaments in history, but ticket affordability remains a key issue in discussions among football supporters worldwide.