The economist who wrote the book on sports finance has a number for FIFA’s World Cup haul: $15 billion
FIFA is expected to generate over $15 billion in revenue from the upcoming World Cup, significantly surpassing its previous goal of $11 billion. Ticket prices have surged, with Category 1 tickets for the opening game exceeding $2,500 and final tickets reaching over $32,000. This pricing strategy aims to capture revenue typically lost to scalpers, but it raises concerns about accessibility for fans.
- ▪FIFA's ticket pricing strategy for the World Cup has led to significant increases in ticket prices, with Category 1 tickets for the opening game currently over $2,500.
- ▪The organization predicts a record revenue of over $15 billion for the World Cup cycle, exceeding its initial goal of $11 billion.
- ▪FIFA's approach to ticket pricing may alienate fans, as even lower-tier tickets are selling for over $1,000.
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| Original publisher | Fortune |
| Canonical URL | https://fortune.com/2026/05/25/sports-finance-economist-fifa-world-cup-15-billion/ |
| Publication time | Mon, 25 May 2026 15:09:51 +0000 |
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At soccer’s World Cup, the top scorer gets the “golden boot,” and the best goalkeeper is handed the “golden gloves.” This year’s tournament will also provide organizer FIFA with a golden opportunity to create billions in additional ticket revenues.Recommended Video Ticket prices are so high that even President Donald Trump, a billionaire ally of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, said he wouldn’t pay. The concern is that FIFA is pricing out many of the sport’s most devoted fans. In the 2022 Qatar-hosted World Cup, group-stage Category 1 tickets – the best seats – cost about $220, while Qatari residents could purchase tickets for $11 in some group-stage matches. Category 1 tickets to the final were about $1,600.
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