Photo Credit: Getty Images
Gianni Infantino has once again defended the high prices attached to tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joking that he would personally deliver a hot dog and a Coke to anyone willing to spend $2 million on a final ticket.
Speaking during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, the FIFA president responded to criticism surrounding ticket prices for the upcoming tournament, which will take place between 11 June and 19 July across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His remarks came after reports emerged that some tickets listed on FIFA’s resale platform had reached extremely high prices.
One of the most shocking examples involved four tickets located behind the goal for the World Cup final in New Jersey, which were listed for nearly $2.3 million each on the resale market. Infantino, however, insisted that these prices do not reflect FIFA’s official pricing structure.
“If some people put on the resale market some tickets for the final at $2 million, number one, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million, and number two, it doesn’t mean that somebody will buy these tickets,” Infantino said.
He then added humor to the discussion by saying that if anyone actually bought a ticket at that price, he would personally make sure the supporter “has a great experience” by bringing them a hot dog and a Coke himself.
The issue of inflated ticket prices has continued to spark criticism from football fans around the world. Many supporters have argued that the tournament is becoming increasingly inaccessible to ordinary fans because of the rising costs associated with tickets, travel, transport, and accommodation.
Despite the criticism, Infantino maintained that FIFA’s prices are comparable to other major sporting events held in the United States. According to him, ticket reselling laws in the country contribute heavily to the inflated prices seen online.
“In the US, it is permitted to resell tickets as well, so if you were to sell tickets at the price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price,” he explained.
Infantino also noted that although some people consider FIFA’s official ticket prices expensive, tickets listed on resale platforms often end up costing “more than double” the original amount.
The FIFA president further defended the affordability of some tickets, stating that 25 percent of group stage tickets are available for less than $300. He compared that amount to the cost of attending a college sports game in the United States, saying, “and this is the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, FIFA has already started making adjustments to ticket resale policies in certain locations. The organization recently updated its resale platform for matches scheduled in Toronto so that tickets can only be sold at their original face value price.
The move follows the Ontario government’s introduction of the 2026 “Putting Fans First Act,” which bans the resale of event tickets above face value within the province. As a result, tickets for the six World Cup matches at Toronto Stadium were temporarily removed from the official marketplace before the new rules were implemented.
However, outside Toronto, fans can still list tickets above face value across the remaining 15 tournament venues.
The rising costs surrounding the tournament continue to concern supporters. Reports from BBC Sport revealed that an England fan could spend up to £6,500 just to attend their country’s group stage matches once travel, accommodation, and ticket expenses are included.
With excitement already building for football’s biggest tournament, the debate over affordability and accessibility appears far from over.
