FIFA is expected to generate a record-breaking $15 billion in revenue from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, significantly exceeding its initial forecast of $11 billion.
According to The Guardian, football’s world governing body has informed its member associations that the tournament delivered unprecedented earnings, driven largely by soaring ticket resale activity.
The report states that FIFA collects a 15 percent commission from both ticket sellers and buyers on the secondary market, a system that substantially increased the organisation’s revenue during the tournament.
The World Cup final also became one of the most expensive sporting events in U.S. history, with tickets on FIFA’s Last Minute Sales portal reaching prices of up to $32,000 before they were withdrawn.
Meanwhile, listings on FIFA’s official resale platform climbed as high as $2.3 million, highlighting the extraordinary demand for seats at the tournament’s showpiece event.
The record financial returns have drawn criticism from some supporters, who have raised concerns over soaring ticket prices, expensive merchandise and additional commercial features, including sponsored hydration breaks.
Despite the criticism, FIFA’s member associations are expected to benefit from the revenue, with funds set aside to support football development programmes, major competitions and the continued growth of women’s football around the world.
FIFA has yet to announce how the record revenue will be distributed among its member associations.
