WORLD CUP: Harder Calls Out Price Gouging in Upcoming Local Games, Demands Return to Affordable Ticket Model

Bay Area will hold six matches of largest sporting event in the world, starting this June

Price gouging has slashed $21 tickets, driven prices as high as $4,000 across the World Cup tournament

WASHINGTON – Today, ahead of the FIFA World Cup games taking place in the Bay Area this summer, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) sounded the alarm on unacceptable ticket price gouging that is pricing local families out of the most-watched sporting event in the world. Harder is also demanding a return to the affordable pricing model originally promised in 2018. 

For the first time in more than 30 years, the U.S. will host the FIFA World Cup, which will bring international attention and business to the region. The Bay Area will host six matches starting in June, including a knockout match. But ticket prices have skyrocketed because FIFA has abruptly switched to a “dynamic” pricing model, slashing $21 tickets and driving prices as high as $4,000 across the tournament. 

“It’s outrageous that tens of thousands of fans in our community are being priced out of a once-in-a-lifetime event that our tax dollars are paying for,” said Rep. Harder. “If we’re going to be footing the bill, our families deserve prices they can afford. I’m calling for full transparency in the FIFA ticketing process and a return to the affordable pricing model originally promised during the bid selection process.”

In his letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Harder demanded answers on:

• Plans to unlock unallocated tickets for local fans.
• Measures to stop prices from increasing as the tournament progresses.
• Timelines for returning to an affordable, static pricing model.
• Reforms to support fan festivals, a key alternative allowing local fans to enjoy the World Cup experience.

On top of paying millions to finance renovations for the games, local governments are required to provide free transportation, police escorts for dignitaries, and no-cost emergency services. Despite this, FIFA controls the tournament's most lucrative revenue streams, which are projected to be nearly $11 billion this year.

Read the full letter here.

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