A controversy over "World Cup prices" is growing even before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America kicks off. With everything from stadium beer prices to ticket costs, transportation fares, and housing rents rising sharply, critics say the tournament "has become a massive money-making event rather than a festival for fans."
"You Have to Sacrifice Your Salary to Watch the World Cup" — A Festival for the Rich
Tickets for the opening match in Mexico are currently priced between $3,000 (about 4.4 million won) and $10,000 (about 14.7 million won). Given that a minimum-wage worker in Mexico earns about 850,000 won per month, even the cheapest ticket would require saving several months' wages.
Prosecutors in New York and New Jersey launched a formal investigation into FIFA's ticket sales practices for the 2026 North American World Cup on May 28. Authorities are examining whether FIFA artificially created scarcity and drove up prices through a tiered pricing strategy and seat-grade management.
Prosecutors believe FIFA raised ticket prices by an average of 34% for about 90 of the total 104 matches. Some fans claim that seat grades different from those announced at the start of sales were added later, and that the actual seat locations also differed from the descriptions.
The burden of ticket prices is also a source of controversy among citizens of the host countries. CNN reported that local Mexican fans are criticizing the World Cup as a "sport for the wealthy."
Francisco Javier, a soccer fan in his 70s who attended every past World Cup in Mexico in person, said, "The World Cup has now become an event that only those with means can enjoy."
A Beer for 28,000 Won — Stadium Prices Also a "Shock"
Transportation costs near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the final will be held, are also a point of contention. According to the BBC, the round-trip train fare connecting Manhattan and the stadium is normally about $13, but it soared to as much as $150 (about 220,000 won) during the World Cup period. Following criticism, it has now been adjusted to around $98.
Stadium prices are also fueling fan complaints. According to a stadium menu released by British soccer journalist Simon Peach on Sunday, premium beer sold at Raymond James Stadium in Florida cost $18 (about 28,000 won), while regular beer cost $16.75 (about 26,000 won). A premium cocktail cost $26.50 (about 41,000 won), and a bottle of water sold for $8.75 (about 13,600 won). Taxes are charged separately.
One British fan complained, "In weather this hot, a bottle of water costs more than 10,000 won," adding, "This World Cup feels like a money-making business rather than a festival."
This tournament will be held during the hot summer weather of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA introduced "hydration breaks" for the first time at around the 22nd minute of each half to protect players, but critics point out that spectators are feeling burdened by the high cost of beverages.
Housing Prices Too — World Cup Inflation Begins Before Kickoff
The World Cup boom is also affecting the housing market. CNN reported that rents in host cities are rising as some landlords convert ordinary rental homes into short-term accommodations to capture tourist demand. There are also concerns that the housing burden is growing for young people and low-income groups who lack assets.
Economists point out that while mega sporting events like the World Cup bring short-term boosts in tourism revenue and consumption, excessive price increases can instead damage a region's image and dampen consumer spending.
In fact, some fans are responding on online communities by saying, "I'll watch on TV instead of going in person," and "I gave up because of the cost of accommodation and tickets."
