World Cup Tickets Spotlight a Growing Wealth Gap

Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have surged well beyond 1994 levels when adjusted for inflation, with average tickets around $1,300 and final seats near $10,000. Economists classify much of this as dynamic pricing driven by market power, raising questions about affordability and why revenue from FIFA goes where it does, especially amid corruption concerns and host-nation politics. The piece argues the real issue is not just high prices but the widening wealth gap that leaves ordinary fans unable to participate.