Houston Dynamo President of Soccer Pat Onstad has publicly expressed concerns regarding the pricing structure for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a recent interview with the Chronicle, Onstad stated his hope that there will be an “adjustment” to ticket prices, signaling a desire for the tournament to remain accessible to a broader range of soccer fans rather than catering exclusively to high-net-worth individuals and corporate entities.
The 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be the largest in history with an expanded field of 48 teams. Houston is one of the selected host cities, with matches scheduled to take place at NRG Stadium. While the selection brings prestige and economic potential to the region, local officials are increasingly focused on the logistics of fan attendance. Onstad’s comments reflect a growing conversation within the host cities about ensuring that local supporters, who form the backbone of soccer culture in the United States, are not priced out of the historic event.
However, calls for lower pricing face significant economic hurdles. FIFA relies on the World Cup to generate the vast majority of its revenue for its four-year cycle, which is then used to fund football development projects globally. Historically, ticket pricing is determined by high demand, and the North American sports market has proven resilient to premium pricing. Major events in the United States, such as the Super Bowl or Formula 1 races, consistently command record-breaking ticket fees, suggesting that organizers may see little financial incentive to lower costs if demand outstrips supply.
As the tournament approaches, the tension between maximizing revenue for the governing body and maintaining the accessibility of the sport for the average consumer remains a pivotal issue. While Onstad and other local stakeholders advocate for pricing adjustments, final decisions will ultimately rest with FIFA’s assessment of the global market.
