Fans are being charged £60 for the chance to attend the pre World Cup final press conference as part of a fan festival being run by FIFA commercial partner Fanatics.
Fanatics, an American global sports platform, signed an extended agreement with FIFA prior to the World Cup.
The agreement included the announcement of a ‘Fanatics Fest’ in New York City which would run from July 16-19, concluding with a watch party in the Javits Centre for the World Cup final.
Tickets are being sold for individual days or across multiple days.
A ticket for the Friday, costing £60 for an adult and £26 for a child, will include access to the World Cup final press conference.
The press conference will involve Spain and the winners of the semi-final between Argentina and England, as well as FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Fans can pay £60 to attend the World Cup final press conference featuring the finalists and FIFA president Gianni Infantino
‘For four days only, fans can step into FIFA’s football block party celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ with interactive experiences, collectibles, gaming, entertainment, live programming, and more,’ FIFA said when announcing the event.
‘See the official FIFA World Cup™ Trophy, explore exclusive FIFA exhibits and activations, attend the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final pre-match press conference, and join New York City’s largest indoor FIFA World Cup™ Final Watch Party.
‘Fans can also see football icons including David Beckham, Kaká, Antoine Griezmann, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Roberto Carlos, Rio Ferdinand, Wesley Sneijder, and more, alongside an incredible lineup of athletes, creators, and celebrities from across the sports world.
‘From exclusive FIFA experiences to appearances by some of the biggest names in football, Fanatics Fest NYC is the place to celebrate the global game.’
According to the Times, former England and Man United star Rio Ferdinand is set to host the event.
A series of photo opportunities with sporting stars have been offered for an additional fee, with a picture with Ferdinand priced at £126.
Photo opportunities with several members of the New York Knicks’ NBA winning team have been sold out, along with Brazilian football legend Kaka.
Fans face forking out £126 if they want a photo with Rio Ferdinand, who is set to host the event
A picture with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who rose to fame at the World Cup, will cost £85
A picture with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who rose to fame with a series of impressive displays at the World Cup, has been priced at £85.
Ferdinand is one of the FIFA Legends used for promotional activities, was a rare voice praising the decision to controversially suspend United States’ striker Florian Balogun’s suspension after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun was thrust into the centre of global storm after it emerged that President Donald Trump had lobbied FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review his red card.
FIFA have also come under pressure at the tournament over excessive ticket prices and hydration breaks, which have allowed television networks to sell advertising during matches.
The governing body is also facing criticism over putting on a World Cup final half-time show, with broadcasters believing the star-studded event could lead to a break of 30 minutes, while the maximum time permitted in the rulebook is 15.
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