FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the steep prices of World Cup tickets, pointing to the overwhelming demand for next summer’s tournament across the US, Canada, and Mexico. 

Critics have slammed the cost, with group stage tickets going for up to three times the price of Qatar 2022, and the cheapest final ticket in New Jersey reaching £3,119.

Infantino highlighted the scale of interest, revealing that 150 million ticket requests poured in over just 15 days for only six to seven million tickets. He likened it to nearly 100 years of World Cups, saying in two weeks the demand could fill 300 years of tournaments, which is a staggering reflection of the World Cup’s global appeal.

After criticism, FIFA introduced a limited number of £45 tickets for all 104 matches. Infantino stressed that money from ticket sales will be pumped back into football worldwide, supporting the sport in 150 countries and helping the game grow at every level.