Gianni Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices amid resale backlash

Gianni Infantino defends pricing strategy for 2026 World Cup
Some final tickets reportedly listed on resale market for over $2 million
FIFA says revenue supports global football development

Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing structure for this summer’s World Cup, dismissing criticism over high ticket costs and extraordinary resale listings.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino said FIFA must operate within market realities, particularly in the United States where dynamic pricing and ticket resale are legal.

“We have to look at the market,” he said. “We are in a market where entertainment is highly developed, so we have to apply market rates.”

The FIFA president’s comments come amid widespread criticism from fans over what has been described as a “monumental betrayal” due to soaring ticket prices and the introduction of premium categories. Some listings for World Cup final seats on resale platforms have reached as high as $2.3 million per ticket.

Infantino stressed that FIFA does not set resale prices and said extreme listings do not reflect actual market value.

“If some people put tickets on the resale market for $2 million, it doesn’t mean that’s the price,” he said. “And it doesn’t mean someone will buy them.”

He added humorously that if such a purchase did occur, he would “personally bring a hot dog and a Coke” to the buyer to ensure a positive experience.

Tickets for the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, remain available via FIFA’s official platform, with group-stage prices ranging from $380 to $4,105. FIFA claims around 25% of group-stage tickets are priced under $300.

However, comparisons with other major U.S. sporting events show that while high-end prices are not unusual, lower-cost access is still more widely available in leagues such as the NBA and college football than for some World Cup fixtures.

FIFA continues to argue that revenue generated from ticket sales is reinvested into the global development of football, though debate over affordability is expected to continue as the tournament approaches.

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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.