FIFA boss Gianni Infantino uses NCAA football games to justify atrocious World Cup ticket prices

Gianni Infantino defends World Cup prices using US market logic

Speaking via Front Office Sports, Infantino explained why FIFA has taken this approach.

“We have to look at the market. We are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world, so we have to apply market rates.

“In the U.S., it is permitted to resell tickets as well, so if you were to sell tickets at the price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price,” Infantino said.

He added, “And as a matter of fact, even though some people are saying that the ticket prices we have are high, they still end up on the resale market at an even higher price, more than double our price.”

Infantino’s argument is rooted in demand. With the U.S. hosting the majority of matches and global interest at an all-time high, FIFA expects resale markets to drive prices up regardless of the initial listing.

So instead of underpricing tickets, the organization is choosing to match what it believes the market will ultimately pay.

Gianni Infantino compares World Cup tickets to NCAA football games

To further justify the pricing, Infantino pointed to another American staple.

“We have 25% of the group stage tickets which can be bought for less than $300,” the FIFA boss stated. “You cannot go to watch in the U.S. a college game, not even speaking about a top professional game of a certain level, for less than $300. And this is the World Cup.”

The comparison to college football has raised eyebrows, especially given the cultural and pricing differences between domestic sports and a global tournament traditionally known for accessibility.

While it is true that premium NCAA and NFL tickets can reach high prices, many fans argue that comparing those events to the World Cup ignores the tournament’s global audience and its history of wider affordability.

There is also the broader concern around added costs. Travel, accommodation, and local expenses in U.S. host cities are already expected to be significantly higher than in previous World Cups.

That means even “lower-tier” tickets could still result in an expensive overall experience. For FIFA, the strategy is clear: price based on demand in one of the world’s biggest entertainment markets.