Sheinbaum criticizes World Cup ticket prices in Mexico
Mexico’s president said FIFA should reconsider pricing as World Cup seats remain beyond reach for many fans, according to the Associated Press.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
3 min read
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that FIFA should reconsider the cost of 2026 World Cup tickets, arguing that prices have put matches beyond the reach of many people in Mexico, the Associated Press reported. Her comments add political pressure on soccer’s governing body as Mexico co-hosts the tournament with the United States and Canada.
Speaking to reporters, Sheinbaum said soccer should not be treated only as a business, according to the AP. She said the pricing debate should prompt reflection inside FIFA and described sports as a way to bring people together.
FIFA did not immediately issue a public response, the AP reported. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the high prices last week, saying they fit the North American market, according to the AP.
Tickets for games in the three host countries went on sale earlier this year at prices from $140 to $8,680, according to the AP. Some prices have since dropped while others have risen, with final tickets listed at $32,970 and resale prices running higher.
The AP reported that FIFA’s own resale platform in April listed four tickets to the final at about $2.3 million each. Sheinbaum said it was acceptable for the tournament to operate as a business, but said soccer also should serve as a shared public space.
The dispute comes as Sheinbaum’s government faces criticism from social movements in Mexico City, the AP reported. Those groups have accused officials of giving the World Cup priority over urgent social needs.
The AP also reported that parts of stadiums in places including Guadalajara have shown visible empty seats during the tournament. FIFA last week attributed some empty seats in Guadalajara to spectators watching games from concourses, according to the AP.
Since ticket prices were announced for the 104 World Cup matches in Mexico, the United States and Canada, Sheinbaum has promoted a government-backed “Social World Cup” program, the AP reported. The initiative is meant to offer free public viewing events in Mexico City and other cities, with matches shown on large screens for residents and foreign visitors.
Local authorities said 500,000 people attended 18 street festivals across Mexico City on June 11 for the opening match, according to the AP. Mexico beat South Africa in that game.
Sheinbaum also broke with the usual practice of the host country’s president attending the opening match, the AP reported. Instead, she gave her ticket to a 21-year-old Indigenous female soccer player who lacked the money to buy one.
The federal government also decided that public officials would surrender about 500 tickets for people who took part in Social World Cup activities, according to the AP. Another 88 tickets were set aside for distribution through schools.
This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.