As the 2026 World Cup nears its conclusion, FIFA is actively pursuing various strategies to maximize revenue, ensuring that every possible dollar is captured before the tournament ends. This includes selling tickets for events that were previously exclusive to the press, such as press conferences leading up to the final match.

Fans can now purchase tickets to attend the Fanatics Fest in New York, a four-day sports event priced at $80, which allows them to witness the press conference of the Spanish and Argentine national teams. This shift marks a significant change in how FIFA engages with fans, as it seeks to tap into every potential revenue stream.

Additionally, FIFA has allowed the MetLife Stadium, where the final match will take place, to open its gates an hour earlier than usual, providing more opportunities for food and merchandise sales. According to the Sports Business Journal, the food and beverage sales, along with merchandise at the final, could reach an impressive $11 million.

In a bid to enhance the fan experience and create additional revenue, FIFA is also introducing an 11-minute halftime show featuring renowned artists like Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, and Coldplay. This initiative aims to cater to American audiences who are accustomed to such entertainment during major sporting events, providing an opportunity for FIFA to capitalize on the largest economy in the world.

Furthermore, FIFA is introducing championship rings for the winning team, a practice common in American sports like the Super Bowl. This year, a total of 2,026 championship rings will be produced, with the winning team receiving 30 rings. The remaining 1,996 rings will be sold to fans, although the pricing details have yet to be disclosed.

In a unique offering, pieces of grass from the final match will also be sold to fans at prices starting from $450. This novelty item has already seen high demand and is expected to generate an additional $11 million for FIFA.

Throughout the tournament, FIFA's commercial team has been working tirelessly to maximize revenue, adapting to American business strategies from every aspect, including ticket prices and advertising opportunities. This year’s World Cup revenue is projected to exceed $10 billion, more than double the earnings from the previous tournament in Qatar. This milestone marks the first time in history that a sporting event's revenue has surpassed this figure, highlighting FIFA's significant commercial success.

While FIFA has historically promoted its tournaments heavily, it is evident that no other event currently rivals the World Cup in terms of revenue generation. The Olympics, once a competitor, achieved over $5 billion in its last iteration, while the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany is expected to generate around $2.9 billion.