Infantino Defends Sky-High World Cup Prices Amid Fan Fury

Gianni Infantino has defended the soaring cost of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, insisting that market demand and United States resale laws justify the controversial pricing structure.

Football’s global governing body has come under heavy criticism, with supporter group Football Supporters Europe branding prices “extortionate” and launching legal action with the European Commission.

Resale listings have drawn particular outrage, with tickets for the final in New York reportedly advertised for more than $2 million on FIFA’s official marketplace.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino argued that such figures do not reflect official pricing.

“If someone lists a ticket at $2 million, it doesn’t mean it will sell,” he said, adding jokingly that he would personally deliver refreshments to any buyer at that price.

Infantino maintained that even the highest face-value tickets—around $11,000 for the final—are justified by demand, noting that FIFA has received over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 tournament.

He also pointed out that a quarter of group-stage tickets are priced below $300, arguing that comparable sporting events in the United States often exceed that threshold.

Despite his defence, comparisons with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar—where the most expensive final tickets were priced at approximately $1,600—have fuelled ongoing discontent among supporters.