I’ll bring hot dog, Coke, Infantino mocks $2m World Cup final tickets

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded with characteristic humor to the exorbitant prices being asked for tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. With some resale tickets listed for nearly $2.3 million, Infantino quipped that he would personally deliver a hot dog and a Coke to anyone willing to pay such a sum, effectively downplaying the significance of these inflated resale values.

Infantino defended FIFA's pricing strategy, arguing that the high figures seen on the resale market are a reflection of demand rather than the official ticket prices set by the organization. He drew parallels with other major sporting events in the United States, suggesting that such pricing is not unusual in the American market. He also pointed out that a substantial portion of group-stage tickets are available for under $300, a price comparable to attending a college sports game.

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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.

However, FIFA has had to make concessions regarding ticket resales in Toronto, Canada, following the Ontario government's introduction of legislation banning the resale of tickets above face value. This has led to an adjustment in FIFA's resale rules for matches in Toronto, where tickets can now only be resold at their original price. This contrasts with the situation at other venues, where tickets can still be listed above face value on the official marketplace. As reported by The Punch, the issue of ticket affordability, alongside inflated costs for accommodation and travel, remains a significant concern for fans planning to attend the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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And this is the World Cup.