Infantino Defends World Cup Ticket Pricing at New York Economic Summit

FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly defended the 2026 World Cup's controversial ticket pricing at a New York economic summit on April 17, calling the United States 'a very special market' and describing the World Cup as FIFA's 'only source of income every four years.' Secondary market prices for the USMNT opening match vs. Paraguay reached $1,359 for the cheapest available ticket; Final tickets exceeded $25,000 on secondary platforms. FIFA introduced a limited $60 Supporter Entry Tier in response to public outrage, though this covers only 1.6% of total seats. Cat 1 Final tickets have a face value of $10,990. Infantino's defense came amid sustained pressure from fan groups, US Congress, European Parliament, and the FSE/Euroconsumers EU antitrust complaint filed April 3. The European Commission confirmed receipt and assessment of that complaint but has not opened a formal investigation.