The 2026 World Cup has already generated eye-watering sums of money – and not just from the $32,970 tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA, world football's governing body, is expected to smash its previous revenue record of $7.6bn from Qatar 2022, with the expanded 48-team tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico fuelling a financial bonanza.
Marion Laboure, senior strategist at Deutsche Bank Research, says FIFA is "without question" the main winner, with its revenues over the four-year cycle approaching $13bn. The money comes from broadcasting, licensing, hospitality rights, sponsorship deals and ticket sales. FIFA has also moved into the secondary market with its official resale marketplace, taking a 15% fee from both buyer and seller, Laboure notes.
“FIFA on course for $13bn revenue from expanded 2026 World Cup amid soaring ticket prices and fan backlash.”
Even US President Donald Trump baulked at the prices, admitting he "wouldn't pay" when asked about the potential $1,000 ticket for his country's opener against Paraguay. The final's official ticket price was $32,970, while some resale tickets have been listed for more than $2m. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the costs, arguing they were in line with other US sporting events.
Fans have been squeezed beyond tickets. New Jersey Transit briefly hiked a 30-minute train journey to the stadium from $12.90 to $150 before a backlash forced prices down – though they still remained higher than normal. Flights, food and accommodation have also soared.
Broadcasters have spent fortunes to televise the tournament, but viewing figures and sponsors queuing for exposure are expected to offset the costs. FIFA is already considering expanding the tournament again to 64 teams, which could bring in China and India – and billions more viewers. For now, the financial winners are clear, even as fans bear the cost.