FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, citing unprecedented demand during the latest sales window. Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Monday, Infantino stated that over 150 million ticket requests had been received.

The high prices have drawn criticism from fans, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the host countries for the tournament. Many have expressed outrage, labeling the prices as "absolute madness."

Infantino addressed these concerns by stating that the majority of the revenue generated from the 2026 World Cup would be allocated to the development of soccer programs globally. He asserted that "without FIFA, there would be no football in 150 countries in the world."

The remarks were Infantino's first public statement since the latest ticket application period opened in early December. The pricing structure for the 2026 World Cup has been a point of contention since its announcement, with some tickets reaching significantly higher prices compared to previous tournaments.

FIFA's policy dictates that a portion of World Cup revenue is reinvested into soccer development programs worldwide. These programs aim to support grassroots initiatives, infrastructure projects, and coaching education in developing nations. The specific allocation of funds from the 2026 World Cup is expected to be detailed in FIFA's financial reports following the tournament.

Critics argue that the high ticket prices exclude many fans from attending the World Cup, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. They suggest that FIFA should prioritize affordability to ensure broader access to the tournament. Supporters of FIFA's pricing strategy maintain that the high demand justifies the prices and that the revenue generated is essential for supporting global soccer development.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32. This expansion is expected to generate even greater revenue for FIFA, further increasing the funds available for development programs. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2026 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Further details regarding ticket sales and distribution are expected to be announced by FIFA in the coming months.