FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly defended the controversial ticket pricing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the overwhelming global interest as “absolutely crazy” and a key reason behind the costs. Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Monday, Infantino revealed that organisers have received a record-breaking 150 million ticket requests in just 15 days — far outstripping the roughly six to seven million tickets available for sale.
The 2026 tournament — set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — has seen ticket prices sharply higher than at previous editions, sparking sharp criticism from fan groups who labelled the costs “extortionate” and unaffordable for many supporters. In response to the backlash, FIFA introduced a limited number of $60 tickets aimed at broadening access, though these represent only a small fraction of seats. �
Times of Malta Sport
Infantino stressed that the unprecedented demand underscores the global appeal of football and justifies the pricing strategy. He also emphasized that revenues from ticket sales are vital for funding the development of the sport worldwide, arguing that without this income, football in many countries would struggle.
While fan groups continue to protest the high costs — citing concerns about accessibility and supporter exclusion — FIFA maintains that the 2026 World Cup remains the most sought-after sporting event in history, with demand dwarfing previous tournaments.
Stay tuned for continuing coverage as ticket allocation and availability evolve ahead of the June 2026 kickoff.
