Fifa President Defends 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices as Demand Reaches 150 Million Requests

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup after the governing body received requests for around 150 million tickets, a figure he says demonstrates unprecedented global demand for the tournament.

Speaking about the ticketing process for the World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Infantino said the level of interest reflects the growing popularity of football worldwide and the scale of the expanded tournament. The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams for the first time, increasing the number of matches and host cities across North America.

Ticket prices have become a point of controversy in recent weeks, with several fan groups criticising costs that they say are significantly higher than those seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Some supporters argued that prices for comparable matches were several times more expensive, raising concerns about accessibility for ordinary fans.

Infantino responded by saying that strong demand must be viewed alongside the financial realities of staging a global event across three large countries. He argued that revenue generated from ticket sales plays a crucial role in supporting football development worldwide, including funding for grassroots programmes and smaller national associations.

In response to the backlash, FIFA introduced a new ticket tier priced at US$60. The option is aimed specifically at fans of teams that have qualified for the tournament and is intended to provide a more affordable entry point. Fifa said the move reflects an effort to balance commercial considerations with inclusivity.

Organisers have also highlighted the scale of operational costs linked to the tournament. Matches will be staged across multiple time zones and venues, requiring extensive travel, security and infrastructure coordination. Supporters of the pricing strategy argue that these factors contribute to higher baseline costs compared with more compact tournaments.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the largest sporting event ever staged in North America. Host cities across the three countries are preparing for millions of visitors, with local authorities projecting significant economic benefits from tourism, hospitality and global exposure.

Despite the criticism, analysts note that demand figures suggest the tournament is unlikely to struggle to fill stadiums. The reported 150 million ticket requests far exceed total availability, indicating that competition for seats will remain intense even with higher prices.

Fan groups, however, continue to call for greater transparency around pricing and allocation. Some have urged Fifa to ensure that local supporters and long time fans are not priced out in favour of corporate buyers and international visitors.

Infantino said Fifa would continue to review feedback as ticket sales progress, stressing that the organisation wants stadiums filled with passionate supporters from around the world. He maintained that the combination of strong demand and adjusted pricing options shows the governing body is listening while also protecting the financial health of the sport.

As preparations continue, the debate over affordability is likely to persist. For many fans, the 2026 World Cup represents a rare chance to experience football’s biggest event on home soil. Whether the balance between demand, revenue and access has been struck fairly will become clearer as ticket sales advance and matches draw closer.