Two KC members of Congress ask FIFA to make World Cup tickets affordable
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas City reps join 69 colleagues urging FIFA to make tickets affordable.
- Members urge FIFA to curb dynamic pricing and redistribute unallocated tickets.
- Members ask FIFA to fund host events or ease sponsorship rules for hosts.
Two Kansas City-area members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined more than 60 colleagues in signing a letter to FIFA that expressed concern about the cost of the 2026 World Cup for fans and host cities.
“Both American fans and international visitors should have access to tickets at affordable prices,” the House members wrote in the letter, which was sent last week. “The extreme high demand for World Cup tickets should not be a green light for price gouging at the expense of the people who make the World Cup the most-watched sporting event in the world.”
The get-in price on the secondary market for Argentina’s match on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium is nearly $900, but most tickets are selling for more than $1,000. Tickets for a less-enticing matchup (Austria vs. Algeria on June 27) are going for at least $350.
Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri were among the 69 members to sign the letter about ticket prices that was addressed to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Davids, who is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, said FIFA needs to put fans first.
“I’m excited Kansas City will host fans from around the world for the 2026 World Cup,” Davids told The Star. “But ticket prices shouldn’t be a barrier to cheering for your team, especially when cities like ours are investing millions in security, transportation, and fan events. Dynamic pricing is leaving everyday soccer fans out in the cold. We need tickets to stay accessible and affordable so everyone can actually experience the celebration and all that the KC area has to offer.”
FIFA estimated it will make $11 billion in the 2026 World Cup cycle, according to the Associated Press. FIFA has its own resale ticket site.
Cleaver, like Davids, admonished FIFA for implementing dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup, which begins in June. Six matches will be held in Kansas City. Tickets for a July 11 quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium start at $1,640 at StubHub.
“Hosting the World Cup in Kansas City is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring the world’s game to our own backyard, but we must ensure this opportunity is accessible to fans of every background, not only those at the top of the economic ladder,” Cleaver wrote in a message to The Star.
“While FIFA made previous commitments to provide affordable tickets to their loyal fans, their dynamic pricing model has led to skyrocketing ticket prices, leaving most fans unable to afford the cost of attending matches. I believe strongly that FIFA has an obligation to ensure every fan has a chance to enjoy the tournament, which is why I’ve joined my colleagues in Congress to urge immediate relief for the fans who make the World Cup such a globally beloved event.”
The House members also asked FIFA to provide help for the host cities, including Kansas City, with the cost of the tournament. In Seattle and New York, Fan Fest activities have been reduced or eliminated. The House members want FIFA to provide financial assistance or loosen its rules that would allow host cities to find local sponsors.
The letter ended with four questions for Infantino:
1. Will FIFA redistribute the unallocated bands of tickets to be dedicated to affordable tickets for fans?
2. What measures will FIFA take to ensure that tickets remain affordable as teams advance in the tournament, particularly given that many later-round tickets have already been sold at dynamically inflated prices?
3. Will FIFA commit to returning to a static pricing model in future tournaments in light of the accessibility concerns raised by the 2026 World Cup?
4. Will FIFA implement changes to support host cities with fan festivals, or adjust sponsorship limitations so host city committees can fundraise and host public tournament events for fans unable to attend the actual games?
This story was originally published March 20, 2026 at 9:41 AM.
