Mexican President Calls for Reflection on High World Cup Ticket Prices
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has voiced concerns over the high cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, stating that prices are out of reach for most Mexicans and urging FIFA to reflect on the issue. Sheinbaum emphasized that soccer should serve as a unifying space rather than solely a business. This comes as FIFA's president has defended the pricing structure for the North American market, while ticket costs for the final have reached tens of thousands of dollars, with resale prices significantly higher.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Monday that FIFA should consider the high cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, noting that the prices are largely inaccessible to most Mexicans. Sheinbaum expressed to journalists that soccer should be more than a commercial enterprise, serving instead as a unifying space for people, much like all sports.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously defended the high ticket prices, asserting they are appropriate for the North American market. Initial ticket prices for matches across the three host countries—Mexico, the United States, and Canada—ranged from $140 to $8,680. While some prices have decreased, others have escalated, with tickets for the final match listed at $32,970. Resale prices have been even higher, with FIFA's own platform listing four tickets for the final at approximately $2.3 million each in April.
Sheinbaum acknowledged the World Cup's business aspect but reiterated that soccer should also foster community. Her administration has faced criticism from social movements in Mexico City, which argue that the government is prioritizing the tournament over critical social needs. Reports have also indicated visibly empty seats in parts of stadiums in Guadalajara, which FIFA attributed to fans watching from concourses.
In response to the ticket price announcements for the 104 matches, President Sheinbaum has advocated for a government-supported "Social World Cup" initiative. This program aims to establish street festivals in Mexico City and other urban centers, offering giant screens for Mexicans and international tourists to watch matches free of charge. On June 11, local authorities reported that half a million people attended 18 street festivals in Mexico City to view the opening match, where Mexico defeated South Africa.
Breaking from a long-standing World Cup tradition, Sheinbaum did not attend the opening match. Instead, she provided her ticket to a 21-year-old Indigenous female soccer player who could not afford one. The federal government also arranged for public officials to donate around 500 tickets to participants in "Social World Cup" activities, with an additional 88 tickets distributed through schools.
(Source: Fortune)
