In a fresh development highlighting a growing crisis in modern football, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised the sharp rise in ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, warning of the impact this will have on fans’ ability to attend the world’s biggest football event.

Guardiola’s comments came during a press conference ahead of his side’s FA Cup semi-final, where he addressed the pricing policy adopted by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the French newspaper L’Équipe, the Spanish manager said that the World Cup “used to be a true celebration of the joy of football, with fans travelling to support their national teams”, adding that the tournament in the modern era “has become extremely expensive” and creates barriers for fans.

Guardiola sent a clear message, stating: “Football is for the fans,” in a direct reference to the need to preserve the game’s popular character and not allow it to be dominated by ever-increasing commercial pressures.

Guardiola — Record prices and mounting criticism

Pep Guardiola’s criticism comes amid a growing wave of controversy over 2026 World Cup ticket prices, with data and media reports revealing that official and resale prices have reached unprecedented levels.

According to press reports, prices for some tickets to major matches start at hundreds of dollars in the group stage, but rise sharply in the knockout rounds, with standard-category tickets for the final ranging from around $4,000 to over $6,000, whilst higher categories exceed $10,000 depending on the venue and seat.

As for FIFA’s official resale market, prices have reached exceptional levels, with some seats for the tournament final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey being offered at nearly $2.3 million per ticket, an unprecedented figure in World Cup history, according to the Associated Press.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

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