FIFA, as sole ticket seller for the 2026 World Cup, faces an official complaint from Euroconsumers over alleged abuse of market power. The cheapest final ticket now costs $4,185 - over seven times the 2022 price.
FIFA claims revenues support global football development. But fans like Belgian supporter Jean-Philippe Ducart say soaring costs have priced them out.
The organization uses “variable pricing,” which adjusts costs based on demand. Prices rose 25% between sales phases in Mexico and Canada. A top-tier seat jumped $250 in one month.
Euroconsumers calls this deeply unfair - two fans seated side-by-side may have paid wildly different prices based on milliseconds in a digital queue.
The group also alleges FIFA engaged in bait advertising: promoting $60 group-stage tickets that few actually secured. Its official resale platform charges 15% to both buyers and sellers - a model critics say exploits fans.
Euroconsumers and Football Supporters Europe urge the European Commission to ban dynamic pricing before April’s next ticket draw. The Commission confirms it received the complaint and will review under standard procedures.
“If we don’t act by then, the damage to consumers is irreparable,” said Els Bruggeman, Euroconsumers’ Head of Policy and Enforcement.