How a World Cup became less about football and more about money
Any remaining hope that FIFA might deliver an inclusive and accessible World Cup in 2026 has been extinguished over the past few weeks. A farcical group-stage draw was swiftly followed by confirmation of long-anticipated ticket prices; figures that will almost certainly price regular match-going fans out of attendance altogether. The upcoming World Cup will be reserved for the wealthy, or for those willing to incur significant debt for the privilege of being there. For many, this has served as final confirmation of football’s descent into the outstretched arms of unfettered capitalism: a game for the many, captured by the few. […]
