World football's governing body, Fifa, has emerged as a significant financial winner from the latest World Cup, generating a record $7.6 billion (£5.6 billion) from the Qatar 2022 tournament. This figure is expected to be surpassed by the 2026 event, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico and feature an expanded 48 teams.

This year's tournament has been the largest in history, with more participating countries and an increased number of matches, leading to greater global viewership and amplified opportunities for revenue generation. While the planet's football stars create memorable moments on the pitch, billions of dollars are being generated off it, though not all parties involved are experiencing financial gains.

Fifa's revenues are projected to approach $13 billion over a four-year cycle, according to Marion Laboure, a senior strategist at Deutsche Bank Research. The organization's income streams include the sale of broadcasting, licensing, and hospitality rights, along with sponsorship deals and ticket sales. Fifa has also expanded its reach into the secondary market by operating an official resale marketplace, taking a 15% commission from both buyers and sellers.

Looking ahead, Fifa is considering further expanding the tournament to 64 teams, potentially including major markets like China and India, which could attract billions more viewers and significantly boost revenues. This expansion aligns with Fifa president Gianni Infantino's vision for a more globally inclusive football event.

In stark contrast to Fifa's financial success, football fans have faced considerable financial strain. The cost of attending matches has been a major point of contention, with criticism directed at Fifa's dynamic pricing strategy, which increases ticket prices during periods of high demand. Even former US President Donald Trump commented on the high cost, reportedly stating he would not pay potential $1,000 ticket prices for the US's opening match.

Official tickets for the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium were priced at $32,970, and some resale tickets were listed for over $2 million. Fifa president Gianni Infantino defended these prices, likening them to those of other major US sporting events.

Beyond ticket prices, fans have also contended with inflated costs for flights, food, and accommodation. A notable example involved a significant hike in New Jersey Transit train tickets for a 30-minute journey to the stadium, which rose to $150 from the usual $12.90 return fare. Although public backlash prompted a price reduction, fares remained higher than standard rates.

Despite the financial pressures on fans, broadcasters and sponsors are also considered significant winners. While they invest heavily in televising the tournament, the immense viewership figures and the desire of sponsors to showcase their brands to a global audience are expected to yield substantial returns through advertising slot sales. Fifa's introduction of "hydration breaks" during matches, a move described by Infantino as purely sporting, also provided additional opportunities for broadcasters to sell advertising time.