Gianni Infantino, the czar of world football, doesn’t mince words. From New York, the Swiss who pulls the strings at FIFA dropped a bombshell: «This World Cup is already the most successful in history.» Exaggeration? The numbers back him up, but the cost of tickets and rampant scalping cast a shadow of doubt over the show.
With nearly half the matches played (48 of 104), stadiums are bursting at the seams. A 99.6% occupancy rate, according to Infantino himself. The 6.7 million tickets sold out in a flash, and now they’re only available on the secondary market at insane prices. Argentine fans, who arrived without tickets, are suffering the brunt of speculation.
FIFA defends itself by saying scalping is legal in the United States and prices are in line with other American events. But getting gouged for over a thousand dollars for a first-round match hurts. Meanwhile, the president of the football multinational travels by private jet from Mexico to Los Angeles, from Kansas City to Toronto, and from Guadalajara to New York. A lavish lifestyle that contrasts with the average fan’s wallet.
Football in the USA has taken a sharp turn. Two years ago, the Copa América and the Club World Cup were a disaster: uneven artificial turf fields, empty stands, and zero football atmosphere. But now, in 2026, everything has changed. The Dallas Stadium, with its closed roof and air conditioning, is incredible. 70,000 souls, mostly Argentine, cheered for Messi and company. Atlanta, with its high-tech stadium, promises another spectacle. The NFL venues, adapted for soccer, set a high bar for the future.
And goals are plentiful. Only four matches ended 0-0; the average is nearly three goals per game. Germany put 7 past Curaçao, and the stars are in their element. Messi, the tournament’s magnet, became the all-time top scorer in World Cup history. Cristiano Ronaldo appeared with a brace, while Mbappé, Haaland, and young Yamal also made their mark. Top-level football is on full display.
Infantino struts around like a Hollywood star. He steps out of a huge SUV, dark suit and sneakers, waves and blows kisses to the crowd. A show aimed at polishing the image of a FIFA that, before him, was a hotbed of corruption. The 2022 Qatar World Cup, held in a single city, was already a success. But this one, with 48 teams, three countries, and 104 matches, surpasses it in every way.
The United States national team, coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, gave a boost to local soccer. Their debut against Paraguay was the most-watched World Cup match in US TV history: 27.5 million viewers. Football has overtaken baseball as the third most popular sport. The business is growing, but at what cost?
The tournament is entering its most exciting phase: knockout matches. The favorites have almost secured their spot in the round of 32, thanks to the 48-team format. Infantino insists this gives smaller nations like Curaçao or Cape Verde a chance to shine. Another excuse to fuel the money-making machine? Time will tell if this World Cup is the most successful in history or just the most profitable.
Para mí Infantino se frota las manos mientras lxs laburantes ni un asiento pueden pagar. Mundial exitoso? Esto huele a negocio para los capitalistas de la reventa. El fútbol es del pueblo, no de estos empresarios chorros. Vergüenza, viejo, me parece una joda.
Para mí Infantino la tiene re clara: el Mundial 2026 es un éxito porque los que amamos el fútbol de verdad estamos ahí. Los zurditos llorando por los precios y la reventa que se jodan esto es negocio no caridad manga de termos viva la FIFA carajo