FIFA Defends Pricing Strategy for 2026 World Cup Amid Criticism
FIFA has defended its pricing strategy for the upcoming World Cup, after a group of English fans criticized the “astonishing” ticket costs, which could increase even more depending on demand. Entries were made available on Wednesday for those selected in a draw held last month. According to reports, the $60 tickets, which FIFA claimed would be the most economical, were extremely scarce. FIFA has not confirmed the initial ticket prices beyond the cheapest ticket for the group stage and the most expensive for the final. However, the England Supporters’ Embassy estimates that a fan attending all England matches, if they reach the final, would spend at least £2,364 ($3,180), even buying tickets in the most economical category. FIFA is operating what it describes as variable pricing for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, meaning prices could go up or down depending on demand.
Concannon added: “If fans get a category four ticket from the first match to the last, they could spend at least $3,180. That’s more than double what Qatar cost.” “Combined with the travel to America and accommodation, this will be the most expensive World Cup for the fans attending the matches that we have seen in a long time.” The England Supporters Embassy also requested an allocation of tickets from the lowest category for participating nations that would not be affected by the host city location or dynamic pricing. In addition, they suggested that tickets for participating nations should be located in key areas directly behind the goals to provide the best possible support for their teams. The England Supporters’ Embassy urged the FA to work with other nations around the world to pressure FIFA to make this World Cup financially accessible for fans attending the matches. According to reports, FIFA will charge a 15% commission on tickets bought and sold on its official resale platform. In a statement, FIFA declared: “The pricing model adopted generally reflects existing and developing market practice in our co-hosts for major sporting and entertainment events, including football. We are focused on ensuring fair access to our game for existing and also future fans, and we offer group stage tickets starting at 60 US dollars, a very competitive price for a major global sporting event in the United States.” FIFA confirmed that it will retain reserved allocations for specific categories of fans and that these allocations will be set at a fixed price. The FIFA resale platform will provide fans wishing to sell or buy tickets on the secondary market with a secure method to do so, as permitted by US law. The fact that secondary market activity is legally open makes it necessary to have a ticket sales model that reflects our responsibility to provide access to fans, while ensuring that as much value as possible is retained for redistribution in the game worldwide. As a non-profit organization, the revenue that FIFA generates from the World Cup is reinvested to drive the growth of the game [men, women, youth] in FIFA’s 211 member associations worldwide. FIFA expects to reinvest more than 90% of its budgeted investments for 2023-2026 in the game to significantly boost the development of global football. Without FIFA’s financial support, more than 50% of FIFA member associations would not be able to operate. England needs two more wins in the World Cup qualifying phase to secure their place in next summer’s final.These prices are astonishing: $2,000 for the cheapest ticket to the final is unacceptable.
Thomas Concannon, England Supporters Embassy
