FIFA Reportedly Makes $5 Billion from 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales
FIFA has reportedly generated about $5 billion from ticket sales and hospitality packages for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to a report by The Times, journalist Martyn Ziegler said the figure is far higher than FIFA’s initial projection of $3.3 billion. The tournament’s overall revenue is also estimated to reach $15 billion.
However, FIFA has not officially confirmed the reported $5 billion figure.
World Cup Ticket Revenue Exceeds Initial Target
The reported earnings highlight the financial scale of the expanded 2026 tournament. The competition features 48 teams and 104 matches, making it larger than previous editions.
FIFA is also expected to earn more from ticketing and hospitality than it did at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. At that tournament, ticket and hospitality revenue stood at approximately $929 million.
The 2026 competition has 40 additional matches. It has also introduced dynamic ticket pricing and an official resale platform.
Reports indicate that FIFA charges a 30 per cent commission on tickets resold through the platform. These measures have helped increase the potential revenue from ticket sales.
Fans Criticise Rising Ticket Prices
Despite the reported financial success, the ticket prices have attracted criticism from football supporters.
Football Supporters Europe described FIFA’s pricing approach as a “monumental betrayal”. The group raised concerns about the rising cost of attending matches.
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Meanwhile, FIFA has maintained that it reinvests its revenue into football development across its 211 member associations.
The organisation has also made more than 100,000 tickets available at $60 each. This includes over 1,000 tickets for the final.
FIFA Plans More Funding for Football Development
FIFA is also considering changes to its funding arrangements for the next financial cycle.
Under its proposed Surplus Solidarity Programme, funding for the 2027–2030 period could rise to $6.35 billion. The programme is expected to increase financial support for football development around the world.
However, FIFA’s official revenue figures for the 2026 World Cup are expected to appear in its annual report after the relevant audits have been completed.
Until then, the reported $5 billion in ticket and hospitality revenue remains an estimate rather than a confirmed FIFA figure.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most commercially successful tournaments in football history. However, the debate over ticket affordability continues to raise questions about how accessible the competition will be for ordinary supporters.
