FIFA chief rejects criticism over soaring ticket costs, says average prices compare favorably with major American sporting events as World Cup kicks off across North America.
Kehinde Adegoke | International Agencies
FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday defended the pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, dismissing criticism that the tournament has become a “rip-off World Cup” and insisting that average ticket costs remain among the most affordable in U.S. sports.
Speaking at the tournament’s opening press conference at Mexico City Stadium, Infantino said FIFA had benchmarked its pricing against other major sporting events in the United States.
“If we made a mistake, then everyone in the U.S. is making a mistake,” he said.
According to Infantino, the average ticket price for the World Cup is below US$500, which he said makes it “the most affordable” major sporting event in the U.S. market.
The comments come amid mounting criticism over ticket prices for the expanded 48-team tournament. Fans have complained that even group-stage tickets can cost hundreds of dollars, while resale prices for the final at one stage saw the cheapest seats listed for more than US$16,000.
In response to concerns over affordability, FIFA recently released an additional batch of tickets priced from US$60.
Infantino also addressed Iran’s participation in the tournament amid tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran, which will play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States, moved its team base camp to Mexico because of concerns related to the conflict and visa restrictions. Only players and a limited number of coaching staff members were recently granted entry visas to the U.S.
“We are truly delighted that Iran is participating, and we are proud of FIFA’s achievement,” Infantino said. “Iran’s matches will sell out, and people will forget reality and focus on football.”
Despite logistical and political challenges surrounding the event, Infantino said he had no regrets about awarding hosting rights to the United States as part of the three-country partnership with Mexico and Canada.
“I do not regret designating the U.S. as a host country,” he said. “Issues are common in events of this scale.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens on June 11 with a Group A match between Mexico and South Africa. The tournament is the first World Cup to be co-hosted by three nations and the first to feature 48 teams, making it the largest edition in the competition’s history.
