Gianni Infantino Defends High 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices

Gianni Infantino has defended the high cost of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that prices reflect strong demand and market conditions in the United States.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino said the surge in ticket prices is largely driven by resale laws in the U.S., which allow tickets to be sold at significantly higher prices on secondary markets.

He emphasized that while some resale listings show extreme prices—such as millions of dollars for final tickets—these do not represent the official face value set by FIFA.

The governing body has faced criticism from fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, which has described the pricing structure as excessive and filed a complaint with European authorities over the cost of tickets.

Infantino, however, maintained that pricing aligns with the broader entertainment market in the U.S., noting that even standard sporting events can command high ticket prices. He added that demand for the 2026 tournament has been unprecedented, with hundreds of millions of ticket requests recorded.

He also pointed out that a portion of tickets for the group stages remain relatively affordable, with some priced below $300, although many high-demand matches and premium packages are significantly more expensive.

Despite the strong demand, some matches have yet to sell out, including the opening game involving the host nation, with tickets still available through official sales channels.

The debate over pricing continues as fans and stakeholders weigh accessibility against the commercial realities of hosting one of the world’s biggest sporting events.