Fri Feb 06 09:00:00 UTC 2026: ### FIFA’s World Cup Ticket Prices Soar, Sparking Accessibility Concerns
The Story:
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, significant concerns have arisen regarding the affordability of attending the matches. FIFA, the governing body of soccer, is facing criticism for allowing exorbitant ticket prices, with some reaching upwards of $80,000. The article points a finger at Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s dominance in the US ticketing market, enabling dynamic pricing and hidden fees. Despite having the power to control prices and reserve tickets for loyal fans, FIFA has chosen to capitalize on these market failures, maximizing profits at the expense of fan accessibility.
Key Points:
- World Cup ticket prices are the highest on record for the 2026 tournament.
- The most affordable tickets cost at least three times more than at the last World Cup.
- FIFA profits from resale transactions, taking a 15 percent fee from both buyer and seller.
- Demand has shattered records with over 150 million ticket requests.
- Many U.S. host cities use taxpayer dollars to host the World Cup, while locals are priced out of attendance.
- FIFA argues that high prices funnel revenue back into the sport, but critics point to their decision not to cap resale prices in the US and Canada (unlike in Mexico).
Key Takeaways:
- FIFA’s decision to prioritize revenue over accessibility is creating a World Cup experience that is increasingly exclusive to the wealthy.
- The American ticketing market, dominated by Live Nation and Ticketmaster, exacerbates the problem with dynamic pricing and hidden fees.
- FIFA’s justification of unprecedented demand doesn’t hold up when compared to their ability to regulate resale prices, as demonstrated in Mexico.
- The lack of affordable ticket options undermines the unifying power of the World Cup.
First Piper 