| HEADLINE |
|
FIFA hits $15 billion world cup jackpot
Collected Photo
FIFA has generated a record revenue of around $15 billion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surpassing its initial financial target and making the tournament the most commercially successful World Cup in history, according to information shared with member associations.
The earnings amount to nearly $184,500 crore in Bangladeshi currency, which is equivalent to about two-thirds of Bangladesh’s annual development project expenditure.
According to a report by The Guardian, FIFA has not yet made the figure official but is expected to announce the revenue soon. Before the tournament, football’s global governing body had projected earnings of around $11 billion, but the actual income exceeded expectations.
A significant portion of the additional revenue came from hospitality packages and ticket sales, particularly from the high-priced secondary ticket market. FIFA reportedly collected a 15 percent commission from both buyers and sellers in secondary ticket transactions, contributing substantially to its increased earnings.
The financial success is also expected to benefit FIFA’s member associations, although the final structure for distributing the additional funds has not yet been decided.
The record revenue comes as a major boost for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whose leadership faced criticism during the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Analysts believe the financial achievement could further strengthen his position within the organization.
FIFA faced controversy during the tournament, including criticism over the suspension of a red card given to United States forward Folarin Balogun during a round-of-16 match against Paraguay. Critics alleged that FIFA had bowed to pressure from US President Donald Trump, though FIFA maintained that the decision was taken independently by its disciplinary committee.
Despite the criticism, Infantino has already secured support from more than 200 FIFA member associations ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March. The additional financial gains could discourage some associations from openly challenging his leadership.
The commercial success of the World Cup in North America has also increased speculation that the United States could host another World Cup in the future. Trump has expressed interest in bringing the tournament back to the country and also discussed hosting the 2029 Club World Cup with FIFA.
Even ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA’s ticket portal still had VIP and hospitality packages available, including a Trophy Lounge package priced at $34,500 per ticket.
The surge in ticket prices and premium hospitality packages played a major role in driving FIFA’s unprecedented World Cup revenue.
-HIS
Loading...
Loading...
Also read
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
