Gareth Bale criticizes rising World Cup ticket prices ahead of 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 4:14 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Gareth Bale has expressed concerns over World Cup ticket prices, calling them 'outrageous'. In comments reported by Front Office Sports, he indicated that high costs diminish the connection between the sport and ordinary fans. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing model, stating that ticket prices are on average below $500, with some offered as low as $60. Despite this, Bale argues that the current pricing risks alienating fans who are integral to the game's atmosphere. The debate about ticket affordability continues to grow as the tournament approaches.
- •Gareth Bale calls World Cup ticket prices 'outrageous'.
- •FIFA defends ticket prices, citing resale culture.
- •Bale warns of alienating passionate soccer fans.
- •Infantino claims average ticket price is below $500.
- 4:14 PMYahoo Sports — Gareth Bale hits out at ‘outrageous’ World Cup ticket prices as they continue to rise
"World Cup ticket prices have become one of the biggest talking points around the 2026 tournament, with supporters and critics questioning whether FIFA is pricing ordinary fans out of soccer’s showpiece. Even US president Donald Trump has acknowledged the issue, admitting tickets were expensive when discussing the USMNT’s debut against Paraguay.
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