FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the high ticket prices for the World Cup and the possibility of their resale at significantly inflated costs are consistent with market conditions and current US law, which allows for the resale of tickets above face value. This was reported by The Guardian, according to UNN.
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FIFA has faced sharp criticism over World Cup ticket costs, with the fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) calling the pricing structure "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal." In March, FSE filed a complaint with the European Commission against FIFA over "excessive ticket prices" for the tournament.
Last week, FIFA's ticket resale site offered four tickets for the final at a price of $2.3 million each. FIFA does not control resale prices on its site but receives a 15% commission from the buyer and 15% from the seller. This means FIFA could earn $690,000 if one of the final tickets were sold for $2.3 million.
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino stated that the sky-high prices reflect the demand for attending the World Cup.
"If some people are putting tickets for the final up for resale for $2 million, first of all, it doesn't mean the tickets cost $2 million. And second, it doesn't mean anyone will buy them. And if someone does buy a ticket for the final for $2 million, I will personally bring them a hot dog and a Coke so they have a great experience,"
Fan organizations are comparing prices for this summer's tournament with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The most expensive ticket for the final in 2022 cost about $1,600, while for 2026, the most expensive ticket for the final is approximately $11,000.
Infantino insists that the sharp price increase is justified.
"We have to look at the market — we are operating in an environment where entertainment is the most developed in the world. Therefore, we must apply market prices. In the US, ticket resale is also permitted. If you set the price too low, these tickets will be resold for much more,"
Infantino also stated that FIFA received over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup, compared to less than 50 million for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments combined. According to him, 25% of group stage tickets cost less than $300.
"You can't go see a college match in the US, let alone a top-level match, for less than $300. And this is the World Cup,"
On Wednesday morning, tickets for the next home game of the New York Yankees baseball team were selling for as low as $11.