Unchecked FIFA Greed Leaves Fans Freezing in their Seats

FIFA's insatiable hunger for profits is harming its supporters

The upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to take place in North America, is causing a stir among football fans and financial analysts alike. With Donald Trump's entry requirements subject to change at any moment, uncertainty looms for World Cup fans trying to obtain visas.

FIFA, the organising body for the tournament, has come under fire for its focus on profit. Despite operating as a non-profit organisation, FIFA has been criticised for its pricing system, particularly in relation to the 2026 World Cup. The organisation's revenues for the financial period 2019 to 2022 reached a record of 7.568 billion US dollars, with expected revenues of eleven billion US dollars for the period from 2023 to 2026.

One of the most contentious aspects of the 2026 World Cup ticket sales is the use of dynamic pricing. This system adjusts prices based on current market demand, a first for a World Cup. Dynamic pricing was also used at the FIFA Club World Cup, with prices dropping for the semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense. However, critics argue that this system can lead to significant price increases between the initial display and final payment.

The minimum ticket price for the 2026 World Cup is $60, leaving room for prices to only go up. High-end packages for VIP boxes at the US tournament, including eight matches including the final, cost a mere $73,200. Despite the controversy, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup stated that the goal is to optimise revenues and increase attendance in the stadiums.

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has been criticised for prioritising profit over football, particularly in the case of the 2026 World Cup. The largest share of FIFA's revenues comes from the sale of TV rights, but the organisation's decision to use dynamic pricing for ticket sales has led to accusations that it does not act in the interest of football in general, but rather prioritises profit and money.

A YouGov survey shows that Americans consider dynamic pricing for sporting events unfair by a 2:1 ratio, one of the highest ratios worldwide. This sentiment is echoed by FIFA's dispute with an angry players' union and the controversy surrounding the high entrance fees for the 2026 World Cup. The cheapest ticket costs $60, while the most expensive ticket for the final costs up to $6,730, with exact seat category prices beyond this not fully disclosed.

Despite the criticism, the 2026 World Cup in North America promises to be a spectacle like no other. With the best football teams in the world battling it out on the pitch, fans will undoubtedly be eager to secure their seats, regardless of the price.