FIFA criticised for unlimited ticket prices at 2026 World Cup

Journalist Markus Feldenkirchen, appearing on the talk show Markus Lanz, labelled the FIFA’s new “dynamic ticketing” system as “absolute madness”. Since April 2026 the organisation has removed all caps on World Cup tickets, allowing demand to set prices that have reached six‑ to seven‑figure levels – a final‑match ticket was listed for more than €1 million. Feldenkirchen warned that such prices “take the sport away from ordinary fans”.

Sport journalists Thomas Kistner and others added that the FIFA is effectively running a black market, taking a 15 % commission on each resale. Investigations are under way in the United States, Germany and Switzerland into possible consumer‑protection violations and misleading ticket‑sale practices. Fans also face soaring ancillary costs, with flights, hotels and transport reportedly up to 300 % above normal rates. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the accessibility of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.