FIFA is giving hundreds of fans access to the World Cup final press conference — for a price.
Representatives of Spain and Argentina will take the stage alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino in New York on Friday.
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Normally fans would need to watch online, but a lucky few will have the chance to attend Friday’s session in what The Times’ Martyn Ziegler called on social media ‘The final fleece’.
FIFA is partnered with Fanatics, which is running a paid-for fan festival at the Javits Centre and hundreds will be granted access to the press conference for a fee of $80 (£60).
“Fans will have the rare opportunity to see both finalists take the stage just days before the World Cup final, hearing directly from players and team representatives as they prepare for sport’s biggest match,” confirmed a statement. “Special guests: Gianni Infantino and more coming soon.”
Among the attendees will be England icon Rio Ferdinand, who will take pictures with fans who agree to pay $168.95 (£126), with autographs costing similar.
Former MLB sensation Alex Rodriguez costs more at $321 (£239).
Per The Times, David Beckham — well known on both sides of the pond — will also be appearing on a panel.
Ferdinand is hosting the event in his role as one of FIFA’s “legends”.
Fanatics will take over as the governing body’s official football sticker and trading cards partner in 2031 — ending a 60-year relationship with Panini.
World Cup finds new revenue streams
The 2026 tournament has been criticized over increasing commercialization with hydration breaks effectively turning games into four quarters and allowing FOX Sports to sell advert slots.
It reportedly recouped over half of the $485 million cost of buying hosting rights for the U.S. thanks to the extra pauses.
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British broadcasters BBC and ITV refused to air adverts, instead relying on pundits to fill the gaps.
Ticket prices have also come under fire, with even President Donald Trump admitting he wouldn’t pay for one.
The final is set to become the most expensive sporting event ever held in the U.S. with an average cost of $11,000 per entry into MetLife Stadium.
FIFA has defended its pricing and pointed at packed stadiums to justify them amid massive demand and Infantino will reportedly run for another term as president despite growing opposition in Europe.
Even the hallowed turf of the final venue is up for sale.
FIFA is reportedly planning to sell patches of grass at $450 a go, raking in $11 million in the process.
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“Own a genuine piece of football history with an authentic 2026 FIFA World Cup Piece of the pitch, permanently preserved in a premium acrylic with a USB keepsake,” Fifa’s website says.
“Each piece contains an original fragment of the iconic Final playing surface, making it a unique collectable that celebrates one of the world’s greatest sporting events.”
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill thinks local taxpayers deserve a cut.
“New Jersey paid for the vast majority of the total expense for the pitch at MetLife stadium, so New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds from this latest money grab,” a spokesperson told Politico.
Many of the World Cup’s grass pitches have already been ripped up and will be replaced by turf for the NFL season, which has not gone down well with players.
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