FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, citing record-breaking 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, marking an unprecedented level of interest in the tournament to be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico next year.
Infantino addressed the controversy surrounding the ticket prices, which have drawn criticism from fans who consider them excessively high. He asserted that the majority of the revenue generated from the World Cup would be allocated to the development of soccer programs worldwide. "Without FIFA, there would be no football in 150 countries in the world," Infantino stated, emphasizing the organization's role in supporting the sport globally.
The remarks were Infantino's first public statements since the latest ticket application period opened in early December. The pricing structure for the 2026 World Cup has sparked outrage among some soccer fans, who have voiced their concerns on social media and through fan organizations. Critics argue that the high prices exclude many passionate supporters from attending the matches, potentially impacting the atmosphere and accessibility of the tournament.
FIFA has maintained that the ticket prices are necessary to offset the costs associated with hosting a large-scale event across multiple countries and to fund its global development initiatives. The organization has also pointed to the tiered pricing system, which offers some tickets at lower price points, as an effort to make the tournament more accessible. However, many fans argue that even the lower-priced tickets remain unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.
The 2026 World Cup marks the first time the tournament will be co-hosted by three nations and will feature an expanded format with 48 teams. FIFA is expected to release further details regarding ticket sales and distribution in the coming months. The organization will likely continue to face scrutiny over its pricing policies as the tournament approaches.
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