FIFA has reacted to the campaign led by New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, who is advocating against the organization’s plan to implement dynamic pricing for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This prestigious tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and Mamdani’s movement, titled “Game Over Greed,” aims to persuade FIFA to reconsider its pricing strategy.
On Tuesday night, Mamdani launched a petition demanding that FIFA abandon the dynamic pricing model, cap resale ticket prices, and reserve 15 percent of tickets at discounted rates for local residents. This initiative highlights his commitment to making the World Cup more accessible to the community, especially in light of concerns regarding inflated ticket prices.
In a statement to The Post on Wednesday, a FIFA spokesperson stood by the dynamic pricing approach, referring to it as a “developing market practice.” The spokesperson emphasized that tickets would be set aside for “specific fan categories” at fixed prices, aiming to ensure fair access to the event. “The pricing model adopted generally reflects the existing and developing market practice in our co-hosts for major entertainment and sporting events on a daily basis, soccer included,” the spokesperson stated.
Mamdani expressed his apprehensions regarding the resale prices of tickets for World Cup matches, particularly those at MetLife Stadium. In a social media video released on Tuesday night, he criticized FIFA for prioritizing profit over accessibility for fans. During a press conference held at St. James Park in The Bronx on Wednesday, he argued that the World Cup should be seen as an opportunity to connect with the community rather than a mere profit-making venture.
The petition launched by Mamdani has quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of signatures since its introduction on his campaign website. As the ticket pre-sale signup window opened on Wednesday for the 2026 World Cup, excitement is building among fans eager to secure their spots. The tournament will feature eight matches, including the highly anticipated final, set to take place at MetLife Stadium next summer.
Earlier this month, FIFA confirmed its intention to utilize dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup. Ticket prices for the group stage will start at $60, while the most expensive ticket for the final could reach up to $6,730. Reports suggest that FIFA anticipates generating around $3 billion from ticket sales for this monumental event.
FIFA’s spokesperson reiterated that the official resale platform would provide fans with a “safe and secure method” to buy and sell tickets in compliance with U.S. law. The organization aims to balance access for fans while maximizing the value retained for reinvestment in global football. “It is important to note, as a not-for-profit organization, the revenue FIFA generates from the World Cup is reinvested to fuel the growth of the game across FIFA’s 211 member associations globally,” the spokesperson explained.
FIFA expects to reinvest over 90 percent of its budgeted investments for the 2023-2026 cycle back into the game, significantly enhancing football development worldwide. The spokesperson emphasized that without FIFA’s financial support, more than 50 percent of FIFA’s Member Associations would struggle to operate effectively.
As the debate over ticket pricing continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the World Cup remains accessible to fans while supporting the growth of soccer globally.
