Tag: FIFA World Cup 2030

FIFA said Thursday it will review its ticketing strategy for the World Cup 2030 following anger over skyrocketing prices for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).

Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom said high ticket prices for this year’s tournament reflected “the reality of the market in North America.”

“I will always have understanding for fans and their opinions, but I think there are quite a wide array of ticket prices — some are cheap, some are more expensive,” he said.

“But of course, you know, we listen, we take into account the comments, and of course, as for every World Cup, we will review and see how we do it for the next one,” Grafstrom added.

FIFA has faced searing criticism over soaring ticket prices for this year’s World Cup, with fan organisation Football Supporters Europe (FSE) branding the pricing structure “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal” of fans.

FSE last month filed a lawsuit with the European Commission targeting FIFA over “excessive ticket prices” for the tournament.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino insists ticket prices are simply a consequence of the huge demand.

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“In the US in particular there is this thing called dynamic pricing, meaning the prices will go up or down”, depending on the match in question, Infantino has said.

FIFA’s own ticket resale exchange this week showed four tickets on offer for the July 19 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium for an eye-watering $2 million apiece, according to reports.

Other resale platforms commonly show tickets for the World Cup final costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Asked on Thursday if he was concerned that anger over ticket prices would harm the legacy of the 2026 World Cup, Grafstrom pointed out that revenues from the World Cup — estimated to generate up to $13 billion — would be pumped back into football.

“I think, you know, the legacy is also what we’ll be able to do with the money that it generates,” Grafstrom said.

“This is a true legacy through the (FIFA) Forward program and in order to really develop the game of football in our member associations, and this will have a true impact.”

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Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr, who represents Real Madrid in the Spanish league La Liga, has expressed his desire for Spain to be ripped off the hosting rights for the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2030 if the country does not evolve from racism.

Vinicius has faced racism abuses on numerous occasions during his time at Madrid with the latest coming in March this year during his side’s La Liga clash against Valencia.

The Brazilian forward was subjected to racist chanting from the crowd at the Mestalla stadium and was sent off in the final minutes of the game following an altercation with Valencia player Hugo Duro.

“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists,” Vinicius Jr wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile, in his recent interview with CNN, Vinicius emphasized the need for a shift in Spain towards racism.

“Until 2030, there is a lot of room for improvement, so I hope that Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the colour of their skin,” the 24-year-old striker said.

“If by 2030 things don’t improve, I think we have to move the location because if a player doesn’t feel comfortable and safe playing in a country where they can suffer racism, it’s a bit difficult.”

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Vinicius Jr’s remarks regarding Spain caused an uproar in the country while his Real Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal was among the notable figures to debunk his allegations and stressed that Spain should not be deprived of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030.

“Spain is in no way a racist country,” Carvajal told a news conference on Wednesday, adding Spain “does not deserve to be deprived of the World Cup”.

“I know what Vinicius has to put up with but La Liga is improving and protocols are being drawn up so that these people can no longer take part in sporting events,” the defender said.

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente backed Carvajal’s remarks.

“There are always undesirables but Spain is not racist, it is an example of coexistence and integration,” he said.

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