FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket prices on Wednesday, stating that if the organization had done something wrong then probably everyone selling tickets in North America was doing something wrong. He spoke with reporters ahead of the opening match of the expanded 48-nation, 104-game tournament. Infantino defended record prices, noted FIFA could not influence U.S. government decisions on a Somali referee, and highlighted efforts that allowed Iran’s national team to enter the United States. Tickets started at $140 for group-stage matches, while regular seats for the July 19 final outside New York reached $8,680 and hospitality seats up to $73,200. Prices for the final were later raised to $10,990 and then $32,970. Following criticism, FIFA offered $60 tickets to national federations for regular supporters, with 130,000 such tickets provided. Four years earlier in Qatar, prices ranged from $69 to $1,607. Infantino argued that lower prices in this market would lead to resale on secondary or black markets at much higher rates, with profits going to organizers rather than football. He said the average ticket price remained below $500 and compared it to U.S. playoff sports. He expressed no concern over probes by attorneys general in California, New Jersey, New York and Texas, noting that FIFA had consulted top lawyers before selling millions of tickets. Infantino cited the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs as an example of similar price surges elsewhere. The get-in price on FIFA’s resale site for the final stood at $9,805, while NBA and Stanley Cup games showed comparable or varying entry prices. He welcomed all investigations and said FIFA was ready to present its case. Infantino also addressed the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, calling it unfortunate and noting that FIFA does not control government decisions. He added that security concerns take priority and that the organization works behind the scenes. Finally, he praised FIFA’s role in enabling Iran’s participation despite tensions, saying the team had moved its camp to Mexico and would travel to the United States shortly before matches.
