FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pushed back against fierce criticism over the high prices of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The backlash intensified after it emerged that the second-cheapest category for the final is priced at 4,185 dollars, with only a very limited allocation available in the lowest bracket.
Infantino revealed that FIFA received more than 500 million ticket requests during the most recent application window, which closed on 13 January, underscoring unprecedented demand for the expanded 104‑match tournament.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, he admitted: “The tickets aren’t cheap; we’ve been severely affected, and I’ve personally been harmed by the high ticket prices,” noting that the harshest criticism has come from Germany and England, something he described as expected.
He explained that the United States currently tops the list of countries in terms of ticket demand, followed by Germany and then England, as fans are eager to attend and be part of what is set to be the biggest World Cup in history. Infantino added that all tickets will eventually be sold, and warned that FIFA’s official resale platform will likely see prices climb even higher, which he argued simply reflects the extraordinary level of interest.
To illustrate the scale of demand, Infantino said FIFA has sold around 50 million tickets across all World Cups over the past 100 years, whereas in just four weeks for this edition it received requests equivalent to “a thousand years” of previous tournaments combined. He insisted this shows the trust fans place in FIFA and in the three host nations, stressing that people want to travel, gather and share in a global celebration.
Infantino also moved to dismiss reports that supporters from certain countries could have their US visa applications rejected.
Addressing claims that fans from nations such as Haiti, Iran and Senegal might face particular difficulties, he stated clearly that these rumours are “incorrect، and stressed that the United States, Canada and Mexico “will welcome the world next summer”.
He concluded by emphasizing the human and festive spirit of the 2026 tournament, promising that the World Cup across North America will offer people the chance to meet, connect and enjoy a unique atmosphere.
Infantino vowed that the final will stand as “the greatest celebration of humanity” reflecting what he hopes will be a landmark edition both on and off the pitch.
