Fans File Complaint Against FIFA Over World Cup Ticket Prices

• Supporter groups accuse FIFA of abusing its position with excessive ticket pricing
• Complaint lodged with European Commission over dynamic pricing and sales practices
• FIFA defends model, citing high demand and reinvestment into football

Football fans have filed a formal complaint against FIFA with the European Commission over ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup.

Football Supporters Europe, alongside consumer group Euroconsumers, allege that FIFA has abused its dominant position by imposing excessive pricing and unfair sales conditions.

Tickets for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, were initially priced from $140 for group matches up to $8,680 for the final. Lower-priced tickets for loyal supporters were later introduced, starting at $60, but these accounted for a limited portion of allocations.

The complaint also raises concerns about the introduction of dynamic pricing, which allows ticket costs to fluctuate based on demand.

“FIFA holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market,” the groups said in a joint statement.

Euroconsumers criticised the pricing model, arguing it disadvantages supporters.

“Dynamic pricing turns fans’ loyalty into a bidding war,” said Els Bruggeman. “It inflates costs without added value and locks out many supporters.”

FSE also raised issues with FIFA’s official resale platform, where tickets have reportedly been listed above face value, with FIFA taking a percentage of each transaction.

FSE director Ronan Evain said: “Fans are left with no other choice. Pay up or lose out.”

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, previously defended the pricing approach, citing unprecedented demand for tickets and predicting that all matches will sell out.

FIFA said it had not formally received the complaint but reiterated that, as a not-for-profit organisation, revenue generated from the World Cup is reinvested into the development of football worldwide.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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