New York's incoming mayor has launched a scathing attack on FIFA, labelling the football governing body's efforts to provide affordable tickets for the 2026 World Cup as woefully inadequate.
A $60 Ticket for 1.6% of Seats
Following intense public backlash over what many have called extortionate pricing, FIFA made a concession by offering a small number of tickets for each match at a fixed price of $60. However, mayor-elect and avid football fan Zohran Mamdani has dismissed this move as a token gesture. He revealed that these so-called 'supporter tickets' would apply to just 1.6% of available seats per game.
Taking to social media, Mamdani amplified the pressure on the organisation. He shared a screenshot detailing FIFA's limited price reduction, accompanied by a forceful statement. 'A $60 "supporter ticket" for 1.6% of seats isn't enough,' he wrote. 'Not when FIFA just set the highest ticket prices in World Cup history.'
Mamdani's Three-Point Plan for Fair Access
The politician, who will oversee a city hosting eight crucial matches including the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, outlined a clear alternative. His demands are based on the principle that 'the beautiful game must be for everyone.'
He has called for FIFA to implement a three-point plan:
- An immediate end to dynamic pricing, where costs fluctuate based on demand.
- A strict cap on prices for tickets sold on the secondary resale market.
- The allocation of 15% of tickets for local fans at a significantly discounted rate.
This intervention comes amidst staggering initial price points. For the group stages alone, tickets were listed from $140 up to $2,735, with costs soaring as high as $8,680 for the final on July 19, 2026. FIFA has faced further criticism for not publishing a transparent, fixed price list, instead using staggered sales windows with moving costs.
High Demand and Political Friendships
Despite the fierce controversy over affordability, demand for the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada is unprecedented. FIFA has reported receiving approximately 20 million ticket requests, highlighting the enormous global appetite for the event.
The political backdrop adds another layer to the story. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with former US President Donald Trump. At the tournament draw in Washington D.C. in early December, Infantino presented Trump with FIFA's inaugural peace prize and attended the event alongside him.
Interestingly, Trump has since spoken positively of Mamdani following a meeting at the White House, despite previously criticising him during the election campaign. The former president told reporters from the Oval Office that they shared more common ground than expected, specifically citing 'a big thing on cost' and the issue of affordability.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the clash between commercial interests and fan accessibility is set to continue, with political figures like Mamdani vowing to keep the pressure on FIFA to deliver a tournament for the many, not just the wealthy few.
