Megan Rapinoe might have hung up her cleats, but she's still making headlines—and not the kind she's used to. The former U.S. women's national team star has teamed up with FIFA Hospitality to sell premium fan experiences for the 2026 World Cup, and the internet is letting her have it.
The partnership, announced ahead of the tournament kicking off this June, aims to offer fans an all-inclusive matchday experience. Rapinoe touted the perks in a statement: guaranteed premium seating, dedicated entry, unlimited food and drink, and extended time to soak in the atmosphere before and after the game. "With hospitality, you get to experience the best of the beautiful game," she said.
But the reception has been anything but beautiful. Fans quickly flooded social media with criticism, calling out the steep price tags that make the packages out of reach for average supporters. One fan wrote, "Sad you are doing this Megan. They have out priced all the fans." Another Instagram user chimed in, "Rapinoe a plant for FIFA, how the mighty have fallen." A third added, "Too expensive for normal working people."
And the numbers back up the outrage. FIFA Hospitality's current pricing shows a starting rate of $2,000 for the USA vs. Paraguay match. For those looking for a bargain, the Haiti vs. Scotland game comes in at $920—still a hefty sum for most households. Matches involving powerhouse teams like Argentina, England, and France are even pricier.
This isn't the first time FIFA has faced heat over ticket costs, but Rapinoe's involvement has added a personal touch to the controversy. The retired star, known for her activism and outspokenness, now finds herself on the defensive end. Critics argue that by promoting these luxury packages, she's alienating the very fans who cheered her on during her playing days.
The timing also raises eyebrows as the soccer world gears up for what promises to be a massive event. FIFA's World Cup halftime show lineup has already made the Super Bowl's look tiny, adding to the spectacle—but for many, the price of entry is a major buzzkill.
Rapinoe's partnership underscores a broader tension in sports: the struggle between making events accessible and maximizing revenue. While hospitality packages offer a VIP experience, they also spotlight how the beautiful game is becoming increasingly expensive for the average fan. As one commenter put it, "Suffice to say, there'll be plenty of fans staying home to watch the FIFA World Cup."
The first match of the 2026 tournament is set for June 11 at 3 p.m. ET. Whether Rapinoe's involvement will shift ticket sales or further fuel the backlash remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation around affordability isn't going away.
