Fifa president Gianni Infantino has defended the high cost of World Cup tickets, arguing that the governing body must operate within the US market where resale is permitted and entertainment prices are high. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino acknowledged that some tickets for the final are listed at $2.3m on Fifa's resale site, but stressed that this does not reflect face values.
Infantino said Fifa received over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 tournament, compared with fewer than 50 million combined for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He noted that 25% of group-stage tickets are priced under $300, describing the World Cup as a premium product. He added that even college games in the US often cost more than $300.
Fan groups have criticised the pricing structure, with Football Supporters Europe (FSE) calling it 'extortionate' and filing a lawsuit with the European Commission in March. The most expensive face-value ticket for the 2022 Qatar final was about $1,600, compared with approximately $11,000 for the 2026 final.
Infantino insisted the prices are market-driven: 'We have to apply market rates.' He also defended Fifa's resale platform, which takes a 15% fee from both buyer and seller, saying low face-value tickets would otherwise be resold at even higher prices. Joking about the $2.3m listings, he said if anyone buys one, he will personally bring them a hotdog and a Coke.
