FIFA could earn a record-breaking £15 billion in revenue during the 2026 World Cup cycle, as soaring ticket prices and dynamic pricing spark backlash from fans. Even US President Donald Trump admitted he would not pay the high prices.
Ticket Price Controversy
Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have drawn criticism, with category 1 tickets for the opening game in Mexico City currently over $2,500, and category 3 tickets exceeding $1,000. For the final, category 1 tickets initially cost over $6,000 and have surpassed $32,000. This marks the first use of dynamic pricing for a World Cup, making prices opaque and subject to real-time changes.
FIFA's Financial Projections
According to Richard Sheehan, emeritus professor of finance and author of "Keeping Score: The Economics of Big Time Sports," FIFA's total revenue for the 2023-2026 cycle could reach between $14 billion and $19 billion, far exceeding its revised budget of $13 billion. The increase is driven largely by ticketing and hospitality, projected at a minimum of $7.44 billion, more than double FIFA's budget.
FIFA, a nonprofit organization registered as a charity in Switzerland, operates on a four-year budget cycle. In the 2022 cycle, revenue reached $7.57 billion, with reserves rising from $2.81 billion to $3.89 billion. For 2026, broadcasting and marketing are on track to meet budgeted values, while ticketing remains the key variable.
Demand and Supply Imbalance
The expanded 2026 tournament features more teams, matches, and fans, with over 500 million ticket requests for only 7.1 million available seats. This imbalance gives FIFA significant pricing power. While FIFA introduced $60 "Supporter Entry Tickets" allocated through national associations, these account for fewer than 600 per match and do little to mitigate outrage.
Where Does the Money Go?
FIFA's stated goals include growing the game and supporting positive social change. However, critics question the allocation of funds. In the 2023-2026 cycle, the budget for competitions rose by 130%, while development funding increased only 44%, dropping from 44% to 36% of total costs. For the 2027-2030 cycle, development is budgeted to fall further to 29%.
FIFA's reserves are expected to exceed $4 billion, leading to questions about whether the organization is effectively using its resources. Despite reforms and programs like the FIFA Foundation, FIFA's past corruption issues and lack of transparency raise concerns.
Richard Sheehan is a Professor Emeritus of Business and Economics at the University of Notre Dame. This article was originally published by The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence.
