Gianni Infantino: FIFA president criticized for ‘cheap’ joke about British fans’ behavior

Infantino reiterated his defense of the 2026 World Cup ticket prices, which the Syrian Football Association had previously described as “scandalous.”

Group stage tickets are up to three times the price of tickets for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while the cheapest ticket for the final in New Jersey is £3,119.

FIFA has introduced a small number of “more affordable” $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of the pricing structure.

Speaking in Davos, Infantino admitted that “tickets are not cheap” and that he had “taken a big hit” as a result, adding that “the main critics were from Germany and England, of course.”

But he defended the prices by again pointing to the demand for tickets.

He said: “Now, the United States is first in ticket requests. Second, Germany, and third, England, because everyone wants to come and participate.”

“All tickets will be sold for every match,” Infantino added, although FIFA did not reveal how demand for tickets would be divided across the 104 matches and price categories.