FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged that a significant number of applicants for the 2026 World Cup tickets intend to resell them for profit through various resale platforms. Recently, FIFA reported an overwhelming 500 million ticket requests during the initial sales window, which spanned several weeks.
Infantino highlighted that this immense demand serves as a rebuttal to critics who have targeted FIFA’s ticket pricing. Notably, critics mainly from the UK and Germany have voiced concerns regarding the sharp prices associated with tickets. Infantino pointed out that among the ticket requests, the United States topped the list, followed by Germany and England.
While some have alleged that automated bots drove the extensive number of requests, FIFA refuted such claims, affirming that each request has been authenticated through unique credit card information. Infantino stated, “In the U.S., it is perfectly legal to resell tickets on resale platforms.” He anticipated that the tickets for popular matches, which are expected to sell out quickly, would likely be resold at even higher prices, showcasing the influential reach of the World Cup.
FIFA’s ticket resale platform will charge commissions of 15% from both sellers and buyers, leading to increased revenue for the organization. Even though ticket prices have spiked compared to past tournaments, Infantino justified this strategy by arguing that it reflects the host market’s norms and allows FIFA to enhance funding for football development instead of benefiting private firms.
The integration of resale platforms aligns with the established American sports culture, where dynamic pricing is commonplace. Fans have a history of accepting premium pricing for significant events, and FIFA’s approach in setting prices ensures that they retain all profits from ticket sales. Even with recent ticket price hikes, the extended format of the upcoming World Cup promises to yield unprecedented financial success for FIFA.
Infantino emphasized that the 2026 World Cup’s unprecedented ticket request figures reflect growing global interest and trust in FIFA and the North American host countries. He expressed excitement about the festival of unity and togetherness the event represents, emphasizing, “It will be the greatest celebration of humanity.”
However, challenges remain regarding visa access for fans from certain nations due to U.S. immigration policies, which could complicate attendance for some potential supporters. Additionally, the high costs of travel and accommodation in the U.S. pose potential barriers for many fans. Despite these issues, Infantino remains optimistic about the ability of the event to unite football enthusiasts worldwide, signifying a hopeful outlook for the future of sports and global community connection.