FIFA Responds to Demands Amid World Cup Pricing Controversy

In a bold move, New York mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani has sparked a fierce debate over ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, slated to be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. His campaign, dubbed “Game Over Greed,” pushes FIFA to abandon its dynamic pricing model that could see World Cup tickets soar to astonishing heights.

Mamdani's petition—launched late Tuesday—calls for capping resale prices and reserving 15% of tickets at discounted rates specifically for local residents. His message? The World Cup should be an event for the people, not a cash cow for profit-driven ticket resales.

In response, FIFA defended its pricing strategy as a standard practice in the market today. A spokesperson stated that the governing body would ensure tickets are available at fixed prices for certain fan categories, emphasizing a commitment to fair access for existing and potential fans.

The statement added, "Group stage tickets will start at an accessible $60—a competitive entry point for one of the globe's biggest sporting spectacles."

Concerns were raised as Mamdani pointed out that tickets for popular venues like MetLife Stadium could be resold on FIFA's official secondary market platform at exorbitant prices. He accused FIFA of prioritizing profits over community access during a passionate press conference in The Bronx.

The petition swiftly gained momentum, amassing thousands of signatures after going live on Mamdani's campaign site. This marks the beginning of a critical conversation about ticket accessibility as the pre-sale signup for the 2026 World Cup started Wednesday.

FIFA has confirmed this dynamic pricing will range from $60 for group stage tickets to a staggering $6,730 for the premium final ticket. It's projected that FIFA could rake in $3 billion from ticket sales alone.

Despite the backlash, FIFA maintains that its official resale platform provides a secure avenue for fans to buy and sell tickets under U.S. law. The spokesperson reiterated that, as a not-for-profit organization, FIFA’s earnings from the World Cup are reinvested into fostering global football development, stating that over 90% of their budgeted investments for 2023-2026 will go directly into the sport.

Without FIFA's financial backing, many of its member associations would struggle to operate. The showdown between Mamdani and FIFA highlights not only the tension surrounding ticket pricing but also the essential balance between profit and community engagement in the world of sports.