FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, highlighting unprecedented demand and the revenue it generates for football worldwide. Critics earlier this month had raised concerns over the cost of tickets, which are significantly higher than those for the 2022 tournament. In response, FIFA introduced a $60 ticket tier to make matches more accessible for fans of qualified teams.
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Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino revealed that six to seven million tickets were on sale, yet 150 million ticket requests were received in just 15 days, averaging ten million requests per day. “In almost 100 years of World Cup history, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total. So, in two weeks… we could’ve filled 300 years of World Cups. Imagine that. This is absolutely crazy,” he said.
According to Infantino, the majority of ticket requests came from the United States, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. He emphasised that the revenues generated are reinvested globally to support football development in 150 countries. “Without FIFA there’d be no football in 150 countries in the world. There is football because, and thanks to, these revenues we generate with, and from, the World Cup which we reinvest all over the world,” he added.
In addition to ticket updates, FIFA announced that Dubai will host next year’s FIFA Best Awards, recognising the top men’s and women’s players, coaches, and teams. Infantino said the new partnership aims to celebrate excellence in football while promoting unity through the sport.
The 2025 FIFA Best Awards saw France forward Ousmane Dembele named men’s player of the year, while Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati received the women’s player award. The awards are voted for by fans, media representatives, national team captains, and coaches, further highlighting the global engagement and influence of football.
Infantino concluded by stressing that the World Cup not only captivates millions of fans worldwide but also plays a crucial role in supporting football’s growth and sustainability across all levels of the game.
