FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently stirred up the sports world with a lighthearted—but telling—response to soaring World Cup ticket prices. When asked about reports that some 2026 World Cup final tickets have appeared on resale platforms for as much as $2 million, Infantino joked, "If somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million dollars, I will personally bring a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience!"
The comment came amid growing criticism over FIFA's pricing strategy for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Many fans have expressed concern that ordinary supporters are being priced out of the world's biggest sporting event, with ticket costs and resale values climbing higher than ever before.
Infantino, however, has repeatedly defended FIFA's approach. He pointed out that ticket resale is legal in the United States, and that FIFA shouldn't be blamed for every listing on third-party platforms. "If some people put on the resale market some tickets for the final at $2m, number one, it doesn't mean that the tickets cost $2m, and number two, it doesn't mean that somebody will buy these tickets," he explained.
The FIFA boss also argued that the high resale prices actually support the organization's claim that original ticket prices are reasonable relative to market demand. "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 noted. He added that 25% of group stage tickets are available for under $300, emphasizing that affordable options still exist for fans who plan ahead.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the debate over ticket affordability is unlikely to fade—but for now, Infantino's hot dog and Coke offer might be the most memorable response yet. Whether you're saving up for a ticket or just dreaming of the big game, one thing's clear: the conversation around fan access to the world's greatest sporting spectacle is just getting started.