Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has raised concerns about the rising costs associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the sport risks losing touch with the very supporters it depends on.
Speaking before his side’s FA Cup semi-final, Guardiola contrasted the modern game with earlier eras, suggesting that attending the World Cup has become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary fans. His comments come amid growing scrutiny over ticket and travel prices for the tournament, which will be hosted across North America.
“Before, the World Cup was a celebration, people travelled across the world to watch their country, and it was affordable,” he said. “Now, it has become so expensive.”
The 2026 competition, set to take place in multiple host nations, has already drawn attention due to the anticipated costs involved for supporters hoping to attend. With matches spread across a large geographic area, travel expenses are expected to add significantly to the overall financial burden.
Guardiola’s remarks reflect wider concerns within football about the accessibility of major tournaments. Traditionally regarded as a global celebration of the sport, the World Cup has long been seen as an event where fans from diverse backgrounds can come together to support their teams. However, recent trends have led some to question whether that inclusivity is being eroded.
The City manager also issued a broader warning about the direction football is taking, emphasising the importance of supporters to the game’s future.
“We have to think about it. Football is for the fans,” he said. “This business doesn’t work without them.”
His comments echo frustrations voiced by many supporters who feel increasingly priced out of attending matches, not only at international tournaments but also in domestic competitions. Rising ticket prices, combined with travel and accommodation costs, have made it more difficult for some fans to experience live football.
For many, the World Cup has historically represented a rare opportunity to follow their national teams on the global stage. Guardiola’s remarks suggest that this tradition may be under threat if affordability continues to decline.
While organisers of the 2026 tournament have yet to respond directly to such criticisms, the debate over costs and accessibility is likely to intensify as the event approaches. With football’s global popularity continuing to grow, questions remain about how to balance commercial success with maintaining a connection to supporters.
Guardiola’s intervention adds to a broader conversation about the future of the sport, and whether it can remain accessible to the fans who have long been at its heart.
