FIFA has updated its ticket resale policy for the 2026 World Cup, limiting resale of tickets for matches in Toronto to their original price on the FIFA Marketplace. The change, effective Wednesday, follows Ontario's enactment of the "Putting Fans First Act," which prohibits reselling event tickets above face value.

The new terms apply exclusively to Toronto Stadium, where tickets for six matches were removed from the official marketplace last week after the Canadian province passed its 2026 budget bill. Under the updated policy, tickets cannot be listed for a resale price higher than the original amount paid to FIFA Ticketing, even if previously purchased above face value on the marketplace.

Tickets for matches at the other 15 venues remain eligible for resale above face value. FIFA stated that the official resale platform is designed to protect fans and is subject to federal and local regulations.

Earlier this week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament's ticket pricing, claiming the organization is obliged to take advantage of U.S. laws that allow tickets to be resold for thousands of dollars above face value. Infantino's comments came amid widespread criticism over the cost of World Cup tickets.

Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) branded the pricing structure "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal." Last week, four tickets to the July 19 final in New York were listed on FIFA Marketplace for over $2 million each.

As of April 20, FIFA reported over five million tickets sold for the June 11-July 19 tournament co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. However, the organization has struggled to sell out matches, including the U.S. opener against Paraguay. Seats remain available for most group-stage games, albeit at high prices. Tickets for USA vs. Paraguay start at $1,120 and reach up to $4,105, with many around $2,000. Hospitality packages go as high as $6,050 per seat. Tickets are still available via FIFA's "last-minute sales" section.

Source: www.aljazeera.com