Fifa is expecting record revenues from the 2026 World Cup, with the governing body’s income over the four-year cycle approaching $13bn, according to Marion Laboure, senior strategist at Deutsche Bank Research. “Without question” Fifa is the main winner, she said, as the tournament expands to 48 teams and draws more matches and viewers. The organisation generated $7.6bn from Qatar 2022 and is on track to exceed that in the US, Canada and Mexico, fuelled by broadcasting, licensing, hospitality rights, sponsorship 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.
But while Fifa rakes in billions, fans are being squeezed. Tickets for the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium were officially offered at $32,970, and some resale tickets have been listed for more than $2m. Even US President Donald Trump admitted he “wouldn’t pay” when asked about the potential $1,000 ticket price for his country’s tournament opener against Paraguay. Fifa president Infantino defended the costs, arguing they were in line with other US sporting events. The dynamic pricing strategy, which raises prices when demand is high, has drawn criticism.
“Fifa's World Cup revenues approach $13bn as fans face $32,970 final tickets and $150 train fares.”
Travel costs have also hit supporters. A 30-minute train journey to MetLife Stadium rose to $150 for the tournament from the usual $12.90 for a return fare. A backlash led to prices being cut, but they still remained higher than normal. Broadcasters, meanwhile, are likely to make a killing selling advertising slots, despite shelling out big bucks for television rights.
Fifa brought in hydration breaks for this World Cup, a move Infantino said was “purely a sporting matter” with no additional revenue for the governing body. But the financial winners and losers are clear: Fifa’s revenues are astronomical, while fans bear the burden. The governing body is considering expanding the tournament again to 64 teams, potentially bringing in China, India and billions more viewers – and even more money.
