Introduction to the FIFA World Cup Ticketing Controversy
MetLife Stadium will host eight matches at next summer’s FIFA World Cup. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
FIFA has defended using dynamic pricing to sell tickets for next summer’s World Cup, describing the policy as a reflection of an “existing and developing market practice” in North America. Soccer’s governing body was responding to a petition launched by NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, which called on FIFA to ditch dynamic pricing and introduce limits on the price at which resale tickets can be sold.
The Petition and Its Demands
Mamdani, who is the current frontrunner ahead of November’s general election, launched his “Game Over Greed” petition on Tuesday night and said the petition has already received thousands of signatures. The three-pronged petition calls on FIFA to end dynamic pricing, introduce a price cap on resale tickets, and set aside 15% of tickets at a discounted rate for local residents. “For the first time, FIFA is using dynamic pricing. They’re going to figure out, in real time, how much they can get away with charging for a ticket,” Mamdani said in a social media video posted alongside the petition.
Criticism of FIFA’s Ticketing Policy
He also blasted FIFA for not including a cap on resale tickets on the FIFA-operated resale platform. “That means you can buy a ticket for 60 bucks and resell it for $6,000. Unlike the last three World Cups, there’s nothing set aside for residents,” Mamdani said in the video. “This all means that the biggest sporting event in the world is taking place in your backyard and you’ll be priced out of it.”
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during an event at St. James Park in the Bronx, Sept. 10, 2025.
REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
FIFA’s Response to Criticism
Dynamic Pricing as the Norm
FIFA, however, defended its ticketing policies in a lengthy statement issued to amNewYork, noting that dynamic pricing is an existing market practice in North America. The governing body said it is focused on providing “fair access” to games at next summer’s tournament for both existing and prospective fans of the sport. FIFA also noted that prices for group-stage tickets start at $60, which it described as a “very competitive price point for a major global sporting event in the US.”
Defense of the Resale Platform
FIFA also defended its resale platform, stating that the platform will provide fans looking to sell or purchase tickets in the secondary market with a “safe and secure method to do so, as permitted by US legislation.” “The fact that secondary market activity is legally open renders it necessary to have a ticketing model that reflects our responsibility to provide access to fans, while at the same time ensuring as much value as possible is retained for redistribution into the game globally,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement to amNewYork.
FIFA’s Commitment to Football Development
The spokesperson also noted that FIFA is a non-profit organization and that all revenue generated from the 2026 World Cup will be reinvested worldwide to fuel soccer’s global development. “As a matter of fact, FIFA expects to reinvest more than 90% of its budgeted investments for the cycle 2023-2026 back in the game to significantly boost global football development,” according to FIFA. FIFA said more than 50% of its member associations could not operate without its financial support.
Ticket Availability and Pricing
Meanwhile, the spokesperson confirmed that FIFA would reserve tickets for “specific fan categories” at a “fixed price.” FIFA announced last week that it plans to use dynamic pricing to sell tickets for next summer’s World Cup. On Wednesday, it announced that the cheapest group-stage tickets would start at $60. It has not specified what percentage of tickets will be available at that price. The Athletic has reported that non-hospitality tickets for the final could rise as high as $6,730. FIFA launched ticket presales for next summer’s World Cup on Wednesday morning with the launch of the Visa Presale Draw registration. Regular ticket sales will begin in October.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding FIFA’s ticketing policy for the 2026 World Cup highlights the challenges of balancing revenue generation with fan accessibility. While FIFA defends its dynamic pricing model as a reflection of market practices, critics argue that it will price out local residents and true fans of the sport. As the tournament approaches, it remains to be seen how FIFA’s ticketing policy will impact fan experience and the overall success of the event.
FAQs
- Q: What is dynamic pricing, and how does it affect ticket prices?
A: Dynamic pricing is a ticketing model that automatically adjusts ticket prices based on demand. This means that ticket prices can fluctuate in real-time, potentially leading to higher prices for popular events. - Q: What are the demands of the "Game Over Greed" petition?
A: The petition calls on FIFA to end dynamic pricing, introduce a price cap on resale tickets, and set aside 15% of tickets at a discounted rate for local residents. - Q: How does FIFA plan to use revenue generated from the 2026 World Cup?
A: FIFA plans to reinvest more than 90% of its budgeted investments for the cycle 2023-2026 back into the game to significantly boost global football development. - Q: When do regular ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup begin?
A: Regular ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup are scheduled to begin in October.
