FIFA, Infantino Draw Bipartisan U.S. Backlash Over $1,000 World Cup Tickets
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 8
FIFA, Infantino Draw Bipartisan U.S. Backlash Over $1,000 World Cup Tickets
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 8
Summary
Dozens of U.S. mayors, lawmakers and state officials from both parties are criticizing FIFA and Gianni Infantino ahead of the 48-team World Cup, with complaints centered on access, conduct and the governing body's elitism.
Ticket prices have become the sharpest flashpoint: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured 1,000 seats at $50, while Trump said he would not pay about $1,000 to watch the U.S. opener against Paraguay.
Scrutiny is widening beyond prices. New York and New Jersey attorneys general opened a ticket-pricing investigation last month, and New Jersey officials sought help covering millions of dollars in transit costs before turning to advertising revenue.
The backlash lands as Infantino has cultivated close ties with Trump, even as the administration tries to present a welcoming face to visitors while pursuing hard-line immigration policies that could complicate the tournament.
With the World Cup running through July 19, officials and analysts say it now sits at the center of a broader U.S. debate over inclusion, human rights, immigration and whether a major sports event can bridge deep political divides.
As FIFA faces U.S. legal probes and political skepticism, who really holds the power in hosting the world's biggest sporting event?
Amid record prices and fan outrage, can the World Cup still be a game for everyone, or just the elite?
With extreme heat and cross-continental travel, is the largest World Cup in history pushing players beyond their physical limits?
"FIFA Faces Legal and Fan Backlash as 2026 World Cup Ticket Prices Hit Historic Highs"
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces a crisis as high ticket prices have led to sluggish sales, leaving many match tickets unsold and hotels near venues only half-filled. Organizers set top-tier ticket prices for some group games above $4,000, causing substantial backlash from fans and damaging FIFA’s brand image. This unprecedented situation highlights a disconnect between FIFA’s pricing strategy and actual market demand, with many supporters deterred by the costs. The immediate fallout includes not only poor ticket sales but also a negative public perception, raising concerns about the accessibility and atmosphere of the tournament.