FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the rising ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the prices reflect market demand and the reality of ticket resale in the United States.
Infantino made the comments while addressing criticism over the cost of attending matches, especially the opening game of the United States Men’s National Team against Paraguay, where some tickets have reportedly reached over $1,100. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“In the United States, ticket resale is allowed,” Infantino explained. “If we sold tickets at a low price, they would simply be resold at much higher prices. Although some people think our prices are high, tickets are being sold on the market for much more than their original value.”
His remarks come as FIFA faces backlash from fans and supporter groups who say the pricing structure makes the tournament unaffordable for ordinary people. Critics argue that many loyal fans could be priced out of stadiums, especially for high-demand matches such as knockout games and the final.
Infantino also claimed that a significant portion of tickets remain relatively affordable. He stated that around 25% of group stage tickets are priced below $300, and compared the cost to major sporting events in the United States, including college football and professional leagues.
However, this comparison has been widely disputed by analysts and fans, who say many college and domestic sports tickets are far cheaper.
The FIFA president also highlighted strong demand for the tournament, noting that millions of ticket applications have already been submitted. This has added pressure on pricing and distribution systems, with FIFA using dynamic pricing and official resale platforms for the first time at a World Cup.
Fan groups such as Football Supporters Europe have strongly criticised the pricing strategy, calling it “extortionate” and accusing FIFA of prioritising profit over accessibility.
