Infantino Defends Soaring 2026 World Cup Ticket prices Amid Unprecedented Demand
Despite widespread fan outrage over high costs, FIFA President Gianni Infantino justified the pricing structure for the 2026 World Cup, citing a record-breaking 150 million ticket requests during the latest sales period.
FIFA is facing intense scrutiny over ticket prices for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.The controversy prompted Infantino to address the issue publicly at the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Monday, December 11, 2025, his first remarks as the latest application window opened in early December.
According to Infantino, the majority of revenue generated from the tournament will be reinvested in the global advancement of soccer. “Without FIFA, there would be no football in 150 countries in the world,” he stated, emphasizing the organization’s role in supporting the sport internationally.
The current pricing ranges from $140 for select initial round games to a staggering $2,735 for the U.S. opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles. The cost escalates dramatically for the knockout stages, with the cheapest ticket for the final in New Jersey priced at $4,185 and the most expensive seats reaching $8,680.
In response to the backlash, FIFA announced a limited number of $60 tickets for each of the 104 tournament games, specifically allocated to supporters of participating national teams. However, officials acknowledged this tier will represent a small fraction of the total tickets available.
“In the last few days, you have probably seen there is a lot of debate about ticketing and ticket prices,” Infantino acknowledged, before revealing the unprecedented demand. He described the 150 million ticket requests as “absolutely crazy,” underscoring the enduring global appeal of the World Cup.
FIFA has defended the higher prices – substantially exceeding those of previous tournaments and earlier sales phases this year – by reiterating its commitment to reinvesting the majority of proceeds into the growth of the sport worldwide. “There is football because [of] and thanks to these revenues we generate with and from the World cup, which we reinvest, of course, all over the world,” Infantino explained.
The current application window remains open until January 13, 2026. FIFA has assured applicants that the timing of their submission will not impact their chances of securing tickets.
the debate over accessibility and affordability continues as the 2026 World cup approaches, raising questions about who will ultimately be able to experience the spectacle firsthand.
why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: The article addresses the controversy surrounding the significantly increased ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and FIFA’s justification for those prices.
Who: The key figures are FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who defended the pricing, and the fans who have expressed outrage over the costs.The tournament is hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What: FIFA announced ticket prices ranging from $140 to $8,680, sparking widespread criticism. In response, thay offered a limited number of $60 tickets. A
