FIFA listened to fan feedback. And priced 98% of them out anyway.

It’s 2026’s first Friday!

Hello, Curse and Coffee friends,

Today, we explore the World Cup cash grab.

Hit reply and let us know what you think (we read all of your kind words).

Coffee at the ready…

The take: FIFA created a $60 "affordable" tier after global backlash (it covers 1.6% of seats).

What happened: FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended 2026 World Cup pricing at the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Monday, citing 150 million ticket requests as proof the strategy works.

Why it matters: The $60 tier allocates roughly 660 tickets per team at the final (that's 0.8% per nation at an 82,500-seat venue).

What to watch: Final tickets through national associations start at $4,185 and climb to $8,860 for premium seats.

Infantino called 150 million requests "unprecedented demand." So is a bank run. Doesn't make it good.

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UEFA proved that accessible pricing works. FIFA saw the evidence and chose differently.

At Euro 2024, UEFA reserved 14% of tickets for fans at €30-€103 and gave 37% to national associations.

FIFA's 2026 structure: 1.6% at $60, 8% through associations. Following your team to the Euros final cost €375.

To this World Cup?

Football Supporters Europe estimates over $8,000.

FIFA says the pricing reflects "North American market conditions." They're not wrong — NFL tickets cost a fortune.

But the World Cup isn't a domestic product. It's built on supporters who've filled away ends in places nobody else would go.

Those are the people being priced out.

FIFA announced the $60 tier after the backlash and didn't change any other prices. They heard the feedback.

They don't care.

→ Pro-FIFA: Prices reflect North American market realities. Revenue funds global football development. 150 million requests prove demand.

→ Anti-FIFA: Demand is desperation. UEFA proved accessible pricing works at scale. FIFA chose profit.

→ Our read: The $60 tier exists so Infantino has something to point to in the lawsuit.

Source: Football Supporters Europe, December 12, 2025

Why it matters: FSE represents grassroots fan organisations across Europe — the people who actually fill stadiums and create atmosphere. They called for FIFA to halt ticket sales and consult with supporters before proceeding. FIFA responded with a 1.6% concession and a press conference in Dubai. Consultation complete.

Wion News

€375 for the Euros. $8,000 for the World Cup. Same sport.

(Irish Examiner)

📎 The complete maths on 1.6%: ESPN breaks down how FIFA's "affordable" tier translates to roughly 500 tickets per team at most venues. The rest? Up to $8,860. (ESPN)

📎 What we're losing: Billy Grant has attended every World Cup since 1986. He's worried 2026 will be full of tourists who paid $4,000 but don't know the chants. (amNewYork)

📎 Infantino's Dubai defence: "Unprecedented demand," he says. What he means: we have a captive audience and we're squeezing them. (NPR)

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