How sky-high ticket prices, war & politics could impact the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest in history with 48 teams across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is overshadowed by a storm of controversy over sky-high ticket prices, opaque ticketing practices, and geopolitical tensions. Laura Williamson, editor-in-chief of The Athletic, reveals that FIFA’s dynamic pricing model has driven final match tickets to an average of $11,000, with some fans paying £14,000 for the full experience—only to be assigned inferior seats after purchase. The lack of transparency in seat allocation, combined with a deceptive marketing strategy that misrepresented seat quality, has led to widespread fan outrage and even threats of class-action lawsuits. Compounding the issue, FIFA’s official resale platform charges a 30% commission, and visa restrictions, travel costs, and security concerns—especially for Iranian fans and staff—have further deterred international attendance. Despite FIFA’s claim that the tournament will generate $11 billion for global football, the money’s distribution remains opaque, raising questions about who truly benefits. Meanwhile, the event coincides with a controversial UFC fight on the White House lawn, hosted by President Trump, who recently invested in the UFC’s parent company—raising serious conflict-of-interest concerns. Williamson argues that while the World Cup should be a unifying, joyful global event, the current model risks alienating the very fans who make football meaningful.