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01 May 2026 / Professor Dr Ian Blackshaw
Issue: 8159 / Categories: Opinion , Sports law , International , Competition , Consumer , Human rights
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Playing by the rules?

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Dr Ian Blackshaw on why the 2026 Men’s World Cup is attracting attention well before kick-off

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup takes place from 11 June to 19 July, and will be the 23rd edition of this tournament. It will also be the first one to feature 48 teams and three host countries, namely, Canada, Mexico and the US. It is also proving controversial off the field of play, from a legal point of view, as regards unprecedented high-ticket prices: FIFA is reportedly charging up to US$10,990 (around £8,125) for a ticket to the final, to be played at the MetLife Stadium, near New York City, on 19 July 2026. The tournament also raises some human rights issues.

On 24 March 2026, Football Supporters Europe, together with Euroconsumers, filed a formal complaint to the European Commission against FIFA, pursuant to Arts 7 and 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, alleging that FIFA, the world governing body of association football, has imposed excessive ticket prices and

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