US lawmakers press FIFA to lower 2026 World Cup ticket prices

US lawmakers have urged FIFA to reconsider its ticketing strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that soaring prices driven by dynamic pricing risk shutting ordinary fans out of football’s biggest spectacle.

In a letter sent this week to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, dozens of members of Congress argued that the tournament must remain accessible to supporters rather than becoming an event dominated by wealthier spectators and corporate buyers.

The appeal was coordinated by Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove and signed by 68 additional lawmakers who said supporters from the United States and abroad deserve a realistic chance to attend matches across the tournament’s three host nations.

The expanded competition will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico and is expected to draw millions of travelling fans.

Ticket costs have become a major talking point well before kickoff, particularly after comparisons with the pricing structure outlined in the original joint bid by the host countries.

FIFA plans to introduce dynamic pricing for the first time at a World Cup, allowing ticket costs to rise or fall depending on demand, seat availability and the profile of individual matches.

Lawmakers criticised that approach, arguing that fluctuating prices have already pushed resale values sharply upward on FIFA’s official ticket exchange. They warned that the model prioritises revenue generation instead of ensuring that supporters and residents of host cities can participate in the celebration surrounding the tournament. Some cities, the letter noted, are also struggling to maintain large public fan festivals because of the financial pressures linked to the event.

In response to criticism, FIFA recently released a limited batch of 60 dollar seats located high in stadium corners, though lawmakers say the supply is far too small to influence the overall market.

They asked the governing body to review its ticketing policy, consider redistributing unsold allocations at lower prices and examine whether future tournaments should return to a traditional fixed pricing system.

The group also urged FIFA to give host cities flexibility and support to stage inclusive fan festivals for supporters unable to enter stadiums, warning that the World Cup risks losing its identity as the peoples tournament.