FIFA reportedly generated $5 billion (£3.8 billion) from ticket sales and hospitality packages during the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, significantly exceeding its initial revenue projections.

According to Martyn Ziegler of The Times, the amount generated from the two revenue streams surpassed FIFA’s original estimate of $3.3 billion (£2.47 billion) by approximately $1.7 billion.

The figure also contributed significantly to the tournament’s reported overall revenue of $15 billion (£11.25 billion).

FIFA Faces Criticism Over Ticket Prices

Despite the reported financial success, FIFA has faced criticism from football supporters over the cost of attending matches at the tournament.

Fan organisations have described the pricing strategy as “extortionate” and “scandalous”, arguing that expensive tickets and hospitality packages have made the competition less accessible to ordinary supporters.

Football Supporters Europe reportedly described the pricing as a “monumental betrayal” of the sport’s global fanbase.

The criticism comes amid concerns that supporters must also contend with substantial expenses for flights, accommodation, transportation and other travel arrangements across the three host countries.

Revenue Far Exceeds Qatar 2022 Figures

The reported $5 billion generated from ticket sales and hospitality represents a substantial increase compared with the previous World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

According to the report, FIFA generated approximately $929 million (£696.8 million) from the same revenue streams during that tournament.

The reported figures highlight the commercial scale of the expanded 2026 competition, which is being hosted across three countries.

Debate Over Accessibility and Commercialisation

The revenue figures have renewed debate about the balance between FIFA’s commercial ambitions and the accessibility of football’s biggest international tournament.

While high ticket prices and hospitality packages can generate substantial income, supporters have raised concerns about whether ordinary fans can afford to attend matches and experience the competition in person.

The debate is likely to continue as attention focuses on the financial performance of the 2026 World Cup and the costs faced by supporters seeking to attend matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.