Ticket resale is a legal practice in United States and will also apply for the 2026 World Cup, under the logic of a dynamic market. Although FIFA put more than 100,000 tickets on sale starting at $60tickets are already being sold for thousands and even millions of dollars on digital platforms. According to the organization, the income from the tournament will be reinvested in the development of football.
Less than a month before the start of the largest World Cup in history, two realities coexist around ticket prices: on the one hand, the American model of major events, based on supply and demand; and on the other, the frustration of fans with the high costs to attend the stadiums.
“FIFA is focused on guaranteeing fair access to soccer, both for current and new fans, and that is why it offered tickets from $60 for the group stage, a competitive price for a global event of this magnitude in the United States,” the entity indicated in a note.
The organization explained that its strategy includes different price categories according to the demand of each party. “Tickets have been put on sale in different phases, including category 4, with more affordable prices. More than 100,000 tickets were offered at $60, including more than a thousand for the final,” he detailed.
However, the reality of the secondary market is very different. In the United States, reselling platforms operate legally and allow users to set their own prices.
It is not strange to see tickets for the Super Bowl above 5 thousand dollars or for the NBA Finals at similar prices. The World Cup is no exception. In recent weeks, tickets have appeared on resale for disproportionate amounts, in some cases exceeding a million dollars.
In many cases, these prices respond more to flashy strategies than to real market values, since they tend to adjust according to demand. In this context, FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently joked that if someone pays two million for a ticket, they could even receive a “hot dog and a drink.” included.
FIFA assured that its sales and resale system conforms to the usual practices of the entertainment industry in host countries.
“FIFA’s official resale platform offers a secure and transparent environment for fans to sell or transfer their tickets. The commissions applied are aligned with industry standards in North America,” he explained.
Likewise, he defended the use of variable prices. “Our approach is in line with market trends, where prices are adjusted to optimize sales, support and ensure fair value,” he added.
Finally, FIFA stressed that the proceeds from the World Cup are not for profit. “Unlike other resale platforms, FIFA is a non-profit organization. The income generated by the World Cup is reinvested in the development of men’s, women’s and youth football in the 211 member federations”he concluded.