FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the much-criticised ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, calling demand for the tournament “absolutely crazy”. He said organisers have received about 150 million ticket requests in just two weeks, far above historic levels for the competition.
Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino explained that all revenue from the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will be reinvested into football worldwide. He argued that FIFA is the only global body that funds football development in many countries and that these funds keep the game alive in around 150 nations.
His comments follow anger from fan groups, who have described the 2026 prices as extortionate compared to previous tournaments. In response to the backlash, FIFA announced that a limited number of tickets would be available at 60 dollars to give more fans access.
Infantino noted that most ticket requests so far have come from the United States, followed by Germany and Britain. He said total demand is so high that, based on past figures, FIFA could have filled “300 years of World Cups” with the number of requests received.
Football Supporters Europe, one of the loudest critics, said earlier this month that tickets for 2026 would cost almost five times more than those for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The group warned that such pricing risks shutting out ordinary fans from attending the tournament.
About the author
Wale Jana: Baba Ijesha’s baby announcement is proof of God’s mercy
Businessman Wale Jana has reacted to Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha's announcement of his baby son with fashion designer Luminee, calling it proof of God's mercy. In his comment, Wale Jana acknowledged that Baba Ijesha is a registered sex offender, but emphasized that this did not stop God from showing him mercy. Wale Jana stated that Baba Ijesha did not marry an ordinary woman but an accomplished and successful one, and the couple now have a son together. Actor Baba Ijesha, whose full name is Olanrewaju Omiyinka, announced the birth of his son in an Instagram post on June 15, 2026. Baba Ijesha thanked God for the birth of the child, describing him as a blessing, alongside his wife Luminee. The baby is reported to be preterm, born before eight months, which has raised questions about the timeline given that Baba […]
Mercy Johnson: Human mockery cannot cancel God’s plans for you
Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie has spoken out about facing mockery and criticism, saying that God is not a man and will not judge or bow to people's opinions, mockery, or decisions. In a lengthy post on her Instagram page, Mercy Johnson emphasized that human mockery cannot cancel God's plans for anyone's life. She explained that God does not judge based on what people say or do, and remains faithful to His divine purpose regardless of public opinion or misunderstanding. The actress wrote that people can talk or misunderstand, but God's plans will stand because He is not swayed by human pressure or mockery. Mercy Johnson's message comes amid recent public discussions about her marriage to Prince Luminees, which some have linked to her previous relationship with Baba Ijesha. She encouraged people to trust in God's timing and remain faithful, […]
Argentina and France start World Cup quests with high-stakes rematch
Argentina and France, two of the world's biggest football powers, will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns against each other in a highly anticipated rematch of the epic 2022 final. The two heavyweights met in the 2022 Qatar World Cup final, where Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw that required 30 minutes of extra time. Lionel Messi sealed his first World Cup title with two goals in that match, while Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick for France before the shootout. The match is now regarded as one of the most iconic World Cup finals in history, with 1.5 billion viewers worldwide watching Messi secure Argentina's third overall title. Argentina became the second team ever to win the tournament after losing their opening match, following Spain's route in 2010. This 2026 rematch comes at MetLife […]
France seek to banish 2002 ghost against Senegal’s Teranga Lions in New Jersey
France will face Senegal's Lions of Teranga at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 16 in a Group I match that brings back memories of one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history. The fixture immediately conjures the ghost of Seoul, where Senegal shocked the world by beating then-champion France 1-0 in their opening match at the 2002 World Cup. In the 30th minute of that match, Papa Bouba Diop scored after meeting El Hadji Diouf's cut-back, ripping off his shirt and sprinting to the corner flag as his teammates celebrated in a circle of pure joy. Senegal held firm for the 1-0 victory, and France went home in disgrace without scoring a single goal across the entire group stage. That night not only eliminated the holders but also rewrote the Senegalese football psyche, marking the start of […]
Serena Williams to play doubles with sister Venus at Wimbledon
Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Wimbledon, doubles tennis, Centre Court, sisters team up, tennis reunion, legendary players, Grand Slam, WTA, tennis brothers and sisters, sports news, Wimbledon 2026, tennis siblings, women's tennis Full contentSerena Williams will join her sister Venus Williams for a rare doubles match at Wimbledon, bringing together two of the most celebrated names in tennis history for a special reunion on the iconic Centre Court. Both sisters dominated the tennis world for decades, collectively winning 12 Wimbledon singles titles between 2000 and 2016—Venus with five and Serena with seven—while remaining close competitors and family allies. The pair previously teamed up to win the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon in 2000, defeating Ai Sugiyama and Julie Halard for the championship. Serena and Venus also won the gold medal in doubles at the London 2012 Olympics, successfully defending their doubles […]
NAPTIP sensitizes Bayelsa students on dangers of human trafficking
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has conducted a sensitization programme for students in Bayelsa State, educating them on the dangers of human trafficking, migration risks, and online exploitation. The awareness campaign is part of NAPTIP's ongoing preventive efforts to curb trafficking incidents and protect young people from exploitation and abuse. NAPTIP officials explained that the programme aims to equip students with knowledge and skills needed to identify potential trafficking situations and prevent incidents before they occur. The agency emphasized that young people have increasingly become victims of cyber bullying, sextual exploitation, and human trafficking, making targeted education essential for student safety. This initiative aligns with the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), which seeks to raise awareness among students, parents, teachers, and communities about the perils of trafficking through existing educational programs. STEAP […]
Related
Argentina and France start World Cup quests with high-stakes rematch
Argentina and France, two of the world's biggest football powers, will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns against each other in a highly anticipated rematch of the epic 2022 final. The two heavyweights met in the 2022 Qatar World Cup final, where Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw that required 30 minutes of extra time. Lionel Messi sealed his first World Cup title with two goals in that match, while Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick for France before the shootout. The match is now regarded as one of the most iconic World Cup finals in history, with 1.5 billion viewers worldwide watching Messi secure Argentina's third overall title. Argentina became the second team ever to win the tournament after losing their opening match, following Spain's route in 2010. This 2026 rematch comes at MetLife […]
France seek to banish 2002 ghost against Senegal’s Teranga Lions in New Jersey
France will face Senegal's Lions of Teranga at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 16 in a Group I match that brings back memories of one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history. The fixture immediately conjures the ghost of Seoul, where Senegal shocked the world by beating then-champion France 1-0 in their opening match at the 2002 World Cup. In the 30th minute of that match, Papa Bouba Diop scored after meeting El Hadji Diouf's cut-back, ripping off his shirt and sprinting to the corner flag as his teammates celebrated in a circle of pure joy. Senegal held firm for the 1-0 victory, and France went home in disgrace without scoring a single goal across the entire group stage. That night not only eliminated the holders but also rewrote the Senegalese football psyche, marking the start of […]
Serena Williams to play doubles with sister Venus at Wimbledon
Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Wimbledon, doubles tennis, Centre Court, sisters team up, tennis reunion, legendary players, Grand Slam, WTA, tennis brothers and sisters, sports news, Wimbledon 2026, tennis siblings, women's tennis Full contentSerena Williams will join her sister Venus Williams for a rare doubles match at Wimbledon, bringing together two of the most celebrated names in tennis history for a special reunion on the iconic Centre Court. Both sisters dominated the tennis world for decades, collectively winning 12 Wimbledon singles titles between 2000 and 2016—Venus with five and Serena with seven—while remaining close competitors and family allies. The pair previously teamed up to win the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon in 2000, defeating Ai Sugiyama and Julie Halard for the championship. Serena and Venus also won the gold medal in doubles at the London 2012 Olympics, successfully defending their doubles […]
Edo Queens clinch second NWFL Premiership title, secure continental ticket
Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following a determined 0-0 draw against Bayelsa Queens, securing their second domestic title and a ticket to continental competition. The Benin City-based team, also known as the Benin Arsenals Ladies or Benin Ladies, finished the NWFL Premiership season as champions with another silverware after the goalless draw that was enough to clinch the league title. The highly contested encounter could not produce any goal, but the point share secured the league title for Edo Queens and capped off an impressive campaign throughout the season. The triumph marks a second NWFL Premiership title for head coach Moses Aduku, who once again guided Edo Queens to domestic success with a disciplined and consistent performance. This follows their first-ever title won in 2023-24, when they emerged as champions […]
Real Madrid confirm €60m Cucurella signing from Chelsea
Real Madrid have finalized a deal worth up to £51.8 million to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, with the transfer set to be completed after the conclusion of the World Cup. The arrangement includes a base fee of £47.5 million plus an additional £4.3 million in performance-related bonuses, establishing a permanent move agreed among all parties. Fabrizio Romano revealed that Cucurella has agreed to a six-year deal at the Bernabeu, with Real Madrid paying Chelsea €60 million (£52 million) for his services. The 27-year-old Spanish left-back is currently representing Spain in the World Cup tournament taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Cucurella, who transferred to Chelsea for £63 million from Brighton in 2022, has expressed a strong desire to return to Spain, having developed through Barcelona's youth system. The move comes as a blow to incoming Chelsea […]
Egypt, Cape Verde face stiff tests in World Cup openers
Egypt and Cape Verde are set for challenging World Cup opener matches, with both African nations preparing to face tough opponents in the 2026 tournament in North America. Egypt, the seven-time African champions, is looking to add to their World Cup legacy after qualifying for the finals as the third African nation to secure a spot. Led by superstar Mohamed Salah, who scored twice in Egypt's decisive 3-0 victory against Djibouti to clinch their spot at the World Cup, the team boasts an impressive unbeaten campaign with 23 points. Having participated in three previous World Cups, Egypt now aims to overcome their historic challenge of not winning a game in the World Cup tournament. Ibrahim Adel opened the scoring in Egypt's qualification match, then Mohamed Salah netted two goals after Adel initiated the scoring, allowing Egypt to triumph over the […]