Fifa's World Cup Profits and Ongoing Ticketing Investigations

WHO:

India Today - FIFA, President Gianni Infantino, Antonio Di Cianni, Mark Conrad, Marion Laboure, Alexander Budzier, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Field Level Media - New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, New York Attorney General Letitia James, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom.

WHAT:

India Today - President Gianni Infantino confirmed discussions over expanding future World Cups to 64 teams, which would increase the number of matches to 128.

South China Morning Post - Kalshi will start taking bets on the outcomes of clinical trials and FDA regulatory reviews, making drug-development odds public for the first time.

South China Morning Post - Kalshi recorded $27 billion in trading volume and saw about three million users during the length of the tournament, significantly exceeding its expectations of $13 billion in volume and 1.5 million users.

Goal.com - David Beckham earned £19 million during the tournament from a diverse range of endorsements, according to Marketing Made Clear.

India Today - FIFA now expects to generate over $15 billion from its 2023-2026 commercial cycle, making the 2026 World Cup the most lucrative tournament in its history, up from a previous projection of around $8.9 billion.

The American Bazaar - The IRS guidance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup states that international athletes are subject to federal income tax on income “connected to services performed in the United States.”

India Today - FIFA now expects to generate over $15 billion from its 2023-2026 commercial cycle, a significant increase from the previous projection of around $8.9 billion.

Field Level Media - New Jersey AG Jennifer Davenport stated that her office will continue investigating FIFA's ticketing methods even after the World Cup concludes.

The American Bazaar - Spain's victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has resulted in over $50 million in prize money for the team, but U.S. tax rules may subject some players to taxation on this income.

India Today - FIFA expects to generate $15 billion from its 2023-2026 commercial cycle.

India Today - FIFA distributed nearly $1 billion in prize money to the 48 participating teams in the World Cup.

India Today - The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches, an increase from 64 matches in previous tournaments.

India Today - FIFA received over 500 million ticket requests during a 33-day application window.

India Today - Group-stage tickets for the 2026 World Cup were priced as high as $575, with some tickets exceeding $1,000.

India Today - The average resale price for the World Cup final reached $12,751, with one ticket listed for $2.3 million.

Field Level Media - New Jersey AG Jennifer Davenport announced ongoing investigations into FIFA's ticketing practices.

Field Level Media - Reports indicated that FIFA allegedly hiked prices and changed ticketing maps after tickets were sold.

Field Level Media - A court in Frankfurt, Germany, called FIFA's practices on ticket resale outlet Ticombo "manipulative."

WHERE:

India Today - The 2026 World Cup matches will be hosted at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Field Level Media - Investigations into FIFA's ticketing practices are occurring in New Jersey, New York, California, and Texas.

Field Level Media - The court in Frankfurt, Germany, issued an injunction against FIFA.

WHEN:

Field Level Media - The 2026 World Cup is set to conclude on a Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Field Level Media - The New Jersey AG's office reported ongoing investigations that began in May.

WHY:

The American Bazaar - The tax implications arise from U.S. tax rules for foreign athletes, which may reduce bonuses for members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad due to federal and state taxes on income earned during the tournament.

Field Level Media - The investigations were prompted by concerns over FIFA's ticket-buying process and allegations of price hikes and artificial scarcity.

HOW:

India Today - FIFA introduced dynamic pricing for tickets for the first time, allowing ticket prices to rise depending on demand, with group-stage tickets priced as high as $575 and some exceeding $1,000.

India Today - FIFA expanded the World Cup from 32 teams to 48, increasing the number of matches and revenue opportunities.

India Today - FIFA introduced dynamic pricing for tickets, allowing prices to rise based on demand.

Field Level Media - FIFA's ticketing practices involved creating new seating zones after tickets were sold, leading to consumer complaints.

President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that discussions are underway to expand future World Cups to 64 teams, which would increase the total number of matches to 128. In a groundbreaking move, Kalshi will begin accepting bets on the outcomes of clinical trials and FDA regulatory reviews, making drug-development odds public for the first time. Meanwhile, the IRS has issued guidance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that international athletes will be subject to federal income tax on income connected to services performed in the United States, potentially impacting bonuses for members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad.