News Focus
- FIFA chief promises snacks to anyone purchasing a $2 million final ticket
- Resale platform lists some seats for over $2.3 million each
- Ontario introduces new law banning ticket touting in Toronto
- England fans face bills of over KSh 1.1 million for group stage matches
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made an unusual joke about the cost of watching the 2026 World Cup. He says he will personally bring a hot dog and a Coke to any supporter who pays KSh 258 million ($2 million) for a final ticket.
The football boss spoke about the high prices during a speech in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. He wanted to show that crazy asking prices on the resale market do not reflect the true ticket cost. “If someone lists a ticket for $2 million, it does not mean the ticket costs $2 million,” Infantino said. “And it does not mean anyone will actually buy it.”
Infantino has defended the pricing for the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico. He claims the fees are in line with other big sporting events in America. He also noted that 25% of group stage tickets sell for less than $300 (about KSh 39,000).
The FIFA leader compared this cost to attending a university match in the US. “And this is the World Cup,” he added.
His comments come as FIFA changes its ticket rules for Toronto. The province of Ontario has passed a new law called the ‘Putting Fans First Act’. This bans reselling tickets above their original face value.
Because of this, fans can now only resell Toronto match tickets at their original price. This affects six matches at Toronto Stadium. However, tickets for the other 15 venues can still be listed at higher prices on the official marketplace.
Supporters face huge travel costs to attend the event. A report found that an England fan would need roughly £6,500 (about KSh 1.1 million) just to watch their country’s three group stage matches.