With soccer fans and even President Donald Trump criticizing World Cup ticket prices, US lawmakers are urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to lower costs and clarify the purchasing process, which has become frustrating for many.
Lawmakers Express Concern
An open letter from Representatives Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone Jr., both New Jersey Democrats, stated: "We are deeply concerned by reports that FIFA is employing opaque pricing, shifting rules, and potentially deceptive practices that are making it difficult for fans to access seats." The letter seeks information on how FIFA ensures affordability and responds to fans who feel misled.
New Jersey's MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19. While Team USA is not scheduled to play there, top teams like Brazil, France, Germany, and England have group stage games in New Jersey from June 13 to 27.
Ticket Prices Soar
Available tickets for those matchups are upwards of $2,000, and a VIP-access pass for the final is priced at $35,000. Even President Trump, a FIFA Peace Prize recipient, criticized the prices, telling the New York Post he wouldn't pay $1,000 for a ticket to the Team USA opener.
Prices vary across the 16 North American venues, influenced by demand, location, and secondary market activity. Infantino defended the pricing, stating, "We have to look at the market. In the US, entertainment is the most developed, so we apply market rates." He noted that reselling tickets at low prices leads to higher resale values.
Criticism of FIFA's Tactics
Pou and Pallone accused FIFA of manipulating demand by releasing tickets in small batches, creating artificial scarcity. "Tickets are reportedly being held back for matches, creating the appearance of limited availability even when large numbers remain unsold," they wrote.
Infantino incorrectly claimed that attending a college game in the US costs at least $300, and professional sports are similarly priced. However, Yankees tickets can be found for $8, and Knicks playoff tickets for $192.
Despite releasing more tickets on Thursday, critics maintain that FIFA is artificially creating scarcity. The Athletic reports that FIFA struggles to sell tickets for many of its 104 matches. A survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association shows nearly 80% of hotels in host cities are below initial World Cup projections. With six weeks until the June 11 kickoff, some resale tickets are cheaper than official FIFA prices.
