As the 2026 FIFA World Cup prepares to kick off next month, soccer fans across the United States and around the globe are voicing their frustration over ticket prices that are significantly higher than in previous tournaments. But despite the outcry, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made it clear he has no intention of lowering the costs—leaving many fans feeling like they're being taken for a ride.

During a recent appearance at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino defended the pricing structure, claiming that 24% of group stage tickets are priced under $300. He went on to say that even attending a U.S. college game would cost at least that much, adding, "You cannot go to watch in the US 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."

But his comparison doesn't hold up under scrutiny. While some high-profile college football games can indeed command premium prices, that's far from the norm. In reality, tickets for most college football games start at around $30, and the same goes for college soccer—making Infantino's claim feel more like a misstep than a market reality.

And it's not just college sports that offer affordable options. Across the U.S., Major League Baseball tickets can often be found for under $20, and general admission to Major League Soccer matches typically runs below $50. Even NFL games, among the most in-demand events in the country, average between $156 and $250, according to Statista. So when Infantino suggests that $300 is a baseline for live sports, fans are understandably skeptical.

Infantino also argued that lowering ticket prices would simply fuel the resale market, and that FIFA is obligated to work within U.S. laws that allow tickets to be resold for thousands of dollars above face value. "We have to look at the market—we are in the market in which entertainment is the most," he said, implying that high demand justifies high prices.

For fans hoping to catch the world's biggest soccer tournament live, these comments are a tough pill to swallow. Whether you're a casual supporter or a die-hard fan, the message from FIFA seems clear: if you want to be part of the action, you'll have to pay up—and don't expect any discounts anytime soon.