Fans sue FIFA over high World Cup ticket prices

By Ehichoya Janet

The Football Supporter groups have taken legal action against FIFA, accusing the body of imposing excessive ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup.

The complaint, filed on Tuesday with the European Commission by Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and Euroconsumers, alleges that FIFA has abused its monopoly over ticket sales by introducing inflated prices and opaque purchasing processes.

In a statement, the groups argued that FIFA’s control of ticket distribution has allowed it to impose conditions that would not exist in a competitive market.

“FIFA holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market,” the statement disclosed.

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The groups highlighted a sharp increase in prices compared to previous tournaments, noting that the cheapest tickets for the final now start at $4,185, more than seven times the cost of the lowest-priced ticket for the 2022 final in Qatar. By contrast, the least expensive tickets for the UEFA Euro 2024 final were priced at just €95.

They also pointed out that FIFA’s initial projections had placed average ticket prices at $1,408, a figure they say has since been far exceeded.

The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and 104 matches. According to FIFA, nearly seven million tickets have been made available, with each individual allowed to purchase up to four tickets per match and 40 overall.

However, prices for high-demand fixtures have surged significantly, particularly on resale platforms. One Category 3 ticket for the final at MetLife Stadium was reportedly listed for as much as $143,750—more than 40 times its original face value.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing structure, attributing it to high demand and the use of “dynamic pricing,” where costs fluctuate based on interest in specific matches.

“In the US in particular, there is this thing called dynamic pricing, meaning prices go up or down depending on the match,” Infantino said.

Critics, however, argue that the system lacks transparency and has no cap on price increases, leaving fans uncertain about final costs before purchase.

FIFA has since introduced a limited category of cheaper tickets, starting at $60, though these are largely restricted to fans of qualified teams and account for a small portion of total allocations.

The controversy continues to fuel debate over accessibility and fairness as the tournament approaches, with FIFA expected to release additional tickets on a first-come, first-served basis from April through the end of the competition.