FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sparked headlines with a bold promise: anyone willing to shell out $2 million for a resale ticket to the 2026 World Cup final will get a hot dog and a Coke—served personally by him. The comment came as Infantino defended the tournament's controversial ticket pricing, which has drawn sharp criticism from fans and officials alike.

With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, ticket prices have become a flashpoint. FIFA initially faced a firestorm of backlash over the steep costs, forcing the organization to walk back some prices and release a limited number of "more affordable" tickets. According to The Mirror, these tickets—reserved for "loyal fans"—now account for 10 percent of each soccer association's allocation.

But even with adjustments, the price tags remain eye-popping. Group stage matches are tiered by popularity, meaning England supporters will pay more than those following Scotland. For instance, tickets to see England face Croatia in June range from $269 to $711, while matches against Ghana and Panama start at $223. Meanwhile, U.S. Men's National Team fans hoping to catch the game against Paraguay in Los Angeles will see prices starting at $1,120 and climbing to $4,105.

The final itself has seen a staggering jump: in 2022, the most expensive ticket was around $1,600; this year, it's $11,000. Infantino, however, seems unfazed by the uproar. "If some people put on the resale market tickets for the final at $2 million, number one, it doesn't mean that the tickets cost $2 million," he said. "And number two, it doesn't mean that somebody will buy these tickets. And if somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million, I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience."

Infantino defended the pricing by pointing to the broader entertainment market: "We have to look at the market—we are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world." For fans on a budget, the message is clear: the World Cup experience comes at a premium, but at least the hot dogs are included—if you can afford them.