Fifa is poised to generate record revenues during the 2026 World Cup, which starts Thursday across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but questions remain about how the governing body allocates and manages its growing financial resources. The Zurich-based organisation anticipates total revenue of approximately $13 billion for the current four-year cycle ending with this tournament, with $8.9 billion expected from the World Cup alone. This represents a 72% increase over the previous cycle, which concluded with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and more than double the $6.4 billion recorded between 2015 and 2018.

Fifa’s income from television rights and sponsorships has expanded significantly, with close to $4 billion expected from broadcast deals and $1.8 billion from sponsors, including a lucrative partnership with Saudi Aramco, roughly doubling prior figures. However, the most substantial growth is projected from ticket sales and hospitality, anticipated to exceed $3 billion—a more than threefold increase from the last World Cup. This surge is partly due to the tournament's expansion from 64 to 104 matches and sharply higher ticket prices. Fifa also introduced an official ticket resale platform that imposes a 15% fee on buyers and sellers, generating additional revenue. Estimates from independent analysts suggest that total earnings from tickets and VIP boxes could surpass $7 billion.

The windfall will support Fifa’s operations over the next four years, replenish reserves that decreased from $3.9 billion after the Qatar tournament to $2.7 billion by the end of 2023, and fund developmental initiatives. Despite this, the organisation faces criticism over the transparency and fairness of its financial practices. Some fan groups argue that ticket costs have become prohibitively expensive, with prices to attend the final more than five times those charged during the 2022 World Cup, prompting investigations by the attorneys-general of New York and New Jersey into the “impossibly high” fees.

Fifa’s commercial strategy under President Gianni Infantino has drawn backlash from supporters and player organisations alike. Critics contend the governing body prioritises revenue over tradition and fairness, accusing it of exploiting its regulatory powers to advance commercial interests at the expense of players and domestic leagues. The decision to expand the tournament has also been challenged legally by Fifpro, the players’ union, alongside European Leagues, which represents the continent’s domestic competitions.

The cost of staging the tournament is estimated at approximately $3.8 billion, which includes increased prize money for participating teams. Host cities and governments bear additional expenses related to security, transportation, and fan events, with some authorities marking up train fares or scaling back fan festival plans to cover costs, further fueling dissatisfaction among fans.

A significant portion of Fifa’s spending—around $3.9 billion over the cycle—is allocated to development and education initiatives, primarily through the Fifa Forward programme. This scheme provides 211 member associations with standardized funding, including $8 million per cycle per country, regardless of their size or football infrastructure. While this has increased financial support, some critics argue that the flat-rate model disproportionately benefits smaller nations and offers minimal impact in populous countries like India and Indonesia. Observers note that transparency in how Fifa’s revenues are deployed remains limited, complicating efforts to assess the true benefits of its investments.

Fifa maintains that all funding is carefully audited and that the income from the World Cup is reinvested to support men’s, women’s, and youth football globally. The organisation underscores its commitment to affordability through a range of ticket prices and defends its governance as more efficient and aligned with strategic objectives.

Still, questions persist about whether Fifa’s distribution system primarily serves to secure political loyalty among member associations. Infantino was re-elected unopposed in 2023 and is expected to continue leading the organisation, which recently awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia by acclamation. Analysts suggest that while the funding model may consolidate support in voting decisions, it may not effectively stimulate football growth worldwide.

Fifa has rejected allegations that its financial practices are tied to political considerations, describing such claims as “ridiculous” and reaffirming its role as a trusted partner to international organisations and global brands.