FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing structure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that tickets remain competitively priced despite mounting criticism over soaring costs and growing concerns over United States immigration restrictions affecting participants and fans.
Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, Infantino rejected claims that the tournament had become inaccessible, even as some premium tickets have reportedly been sold for more than $30,000.
The FIFA boss also sought to downplay concerns surrounding visa and entry issues that have seen several individuals, including a top referee, Iranian team officials and some supporters, denied access to the United States amid President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
According to Infantino, FIFA responded to complaints about ticket prices by making a limited number of tickets available for as low as $60, which he described as the most affordable among major American sporting events in their playoff stages.
“Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases,” Infantino said.
He added that the average ticket price for the tournament remains below $500, arguing that it compares favourably with ticket costs across other major sporting competitions in the United States.
FIFA continues to face scrutiny over the affordability of the expanded 2026 World Cup and the impact of U.S. immigration policies on the smooth conduct of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
