FIFA has announced it will conduct a comprehensive review of its ticketing strategy for the 2030 World Cup following intense backlash over the cost of the 2026 finals in North America.
Speaking in Vancouver on Thursday, Secretary-General Mattias Grafström acknowledged fan anger but defended current pricing as a reflection of the unique “market reality” in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The 2026 tournament has been plagued by reports of “extortionate” pricing, with premium Category 1 seats for the final at MetLife Stadium officially listed as high as $9,400 (£7,500).
However, the controversy reached a boiling point this week after four tickets were spotted on FIFA’s own official resale platform for an unprecedented $2 million each.
Fan advocacy group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has branded the situation a “monumental betrayal,” filing a formal lawsuit with the European Commission alleging that FIFA is abusing its monopoly.
FSE argues that the introduction of “dynamic pricing”—where costs fluctuate based on demand—is a predatory tactic that locks out loyal supporters in favor of the ultra-wealthy.
In response, FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintained that high revenues, projected to reach a record $13 billion, are essential for the global development of the game through the FIFA Forward program.
While FIFA insists the revenue will be “pumped back into football,” critics argue the 2026 legacy is already being tarnished by a system that prioritizes profit over accessibility.