World Cup 2026 pricing experiment reshapes fans and finance

BBC InDepth argues the 2026 World Cup, staged across the US, Canada and Mexico, doubles as a pricing experiment: tickets and hospitality are priced dynamically to maximize revenue, with events largely held in rented NFL-style stadiums rather than new builds. FIFA collects much of the upside while host cities and ordinary fans shoulder costs, a model that echoes a K-shaped economy and risks reducing accessibility even as it boosts development funds and global branding. The piece questions whether this extreme commercialisation can be sustained or simply alienate fans.