FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the high cost of tickets for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, arguing that the prices mirror an overwhelming public interest.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the high cost of tickets for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, arguing that the prices mirror an overwhelming public interest.
The tournament’s ticketing system has faced sharp criticism, with the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) calling it "scandalous." Group stage tickets are now up to three times more expensive than those sold for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while the lowest-priced final ticket in New Jersey is £3,119.
Infantino emphasized that the number of ticket requests far exceeds the available supply. Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, he revealed that six to seven million tickets were offered, yet 150 million applications were submitted within just 15 days.
"This is about 10 million requests every day, showing the World Cup’s enormous appeal," Infantino said. He added that, historically, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in nearly a century, meaning that in just two weeks the demand could have matched 300 years of World Cup sales.
Following backlash over ticket costs, FIFA launched a limited selection of lower-priced £45 tickets for all 104 matches. A FIFA official involved in the process told BBC Sport that the decision was a direct response to public feedback.
Infantino explained that the new pricing tier is intended to make the tournament accessible to more fans while maintaining the overall ticketing strategy. The approach aims to balance affordability with the financial needs of hosting such a major event.
The £45 tickets are only a small proportion of the total available, reflecting FIFA’s attempt to accommodate fans who may not afford higher prices while still capitalizing on the strong demand for premium seating.
Infantino highlighted that proceeds from ticket sales are reinvested into football worldwide, though he did not disclose specific figures. He stressed that FIFA’s revenues are crucial for the development of the sport in numerous countries.
"Without FIFA, there wouldn’t be football in 150 nations," Infantino stated. He pointed out that funds generated from the World Cup help sustain football programs globally, supporting the growth of the game beyond the tournament itself.
By linking ticket income to development projects, FIFA argues that the high prices ultimately benefit the sport on a global scale, providing resources for countries that rely on the organization to maintain and expand their football infrastructure.
