$11 billion for the World Cup

FIFA approved record financial figures for the 2023 to 2026 World Cup cycle during its Congress in Vancouver, Canada. In total, the organisation led by Infantino and endorsed by the 211 member associations reported revenues of €11 billion (about $11.9 billion), of which €7 billion (around $7.6 billion) will be generated this year, coinciding with the final tournament.

This represents a 73% increase compared to the Qatar World Cup, which had already recorded an 18% rise on the Russia World Cup. Revenues are expected to grow even further in the 2027 to 2030 cycle, which will culminate in the tournament hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The expansion from 32 to 48 teams is the main driver of this growth, partly because television rights have increased alongside the number of matches, from 2,900 in Qatar to 3,600 now. FIFA has also secured agreements with YouTube and TikTok, adding to overall revenues.

However, the biggest impact comes from general admission and VIP ticket sales. FIFA expects to generate €2.5 billion (about $2.7 billion) from this stream, compared to €800 million (around $865 million) in Qatar. This surge reflects extremely high demand in the North American market, as well as the use of a dynamic pricing system. The approach has proved controversial, with prices for the final reaching €9,300 (roughly $10,000) for guaranteed seats.

This system, common in the United States, allows prices to fall as the event approaches if tickets remain unsold. For other matches, prices have been far more accessible, and FIFA has offered tickets from $50 for fans purchasing team-based packages, regardless of the specific fixture.

Finally, marketing and sponsorship revenues have also seen a major increase, reaching €2.3 billion (about $2.5 billion), well above Qatar’s €1.5 billion (around $1.6 billion). The strength of the US market, combined with strong backing from major companies, has validated FIFA’s decision to award hosting rights to the United States, Mexico and Canada for what is already the most lucrative World Cup in history.

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